The United Nations children’s agency (UNICEF) has hailed the release of 300 children by armed groups in South Sudan.
“No child should ever have to pick up a weapon and fight” head of UNICEF programmes in the country Mahimbo Mdoe said.
“For every child released, today marks the start of a new life,” he said. “We are proud to support these children as they return to their families and start to build a brighter future.”
The agency however noted that thousands more children still remain in the hands of armed groups, a violation of international law.
It said that there are still about 19,000 children in use by armed forces and groups in South Sudan. And with conflict lingering in the world’s youngest nation, the risk that children will be used in fighting remains.
“So long as the recruitment and use of children by armed groups continues, these groups fail on their commitment to uphold the rights of children under international law,” the agency said.
The released children will undergo medical screenings and receive counselling and psychosocial support as part of the reintegration programme.
Once home, they will also have access to vocational training as well as age-specific education services in schools and accelerated learning centres.
UNICEF also said the families of the children will also receive three months’ worth of food assistance to support reintegration.
Among those freed were 112 boys and 95 girls, all from the South Sudan National Liberation Movement and Sudan People’s Liberation Army-In Opposition.
