South Sudan has announced its vow to end the recruitment of child soldiers and protect children from armed conflict. This promise was made during the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, emphasizing the government’s recognition of the serious issue. Senior officials highlighted steps being taken to support former child soldiers and prevent future recruitments, while the UN urged a focus on education to provide better opportunities for youth.
South Sudan has pledged to cease the use of child soldiers, ensuring that no children are forced into armed groups. This commitment was announced on February 18, coinciding with the observance of the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, also referred to as Red Hand Day. Senior official Esther Ikere from the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare acknowledged the gravity of the situation and confirmed the government’s dedication to safeguarding children’s rights.
Esther Ikere emphasized the importance of preventing child recruitment, providing support for those who have been compelled to fight, and addressing the underlying causes that lead children to become soldiers. She remarked, “Children who should be in classrooms, playing, and dreaming of their futures have instead been forced to bear the burdens of war. They have been robbed of their innocence, their education, and their fundamental rights. We must acknowledge the immense harm this has caused.”
After enduring years of conflict, many children in South Sudan have become victims of forced recruitment, with some abducted while others joined due to a lack of alternatives. This harsh reality has inflicted significant physical and emotional trauma on these young individuals, stripping them of their childhood. General Ashhab Khamis Fahal noted that military leaders must ensure compliance with the prohibition on child recruitment, stating, “It is their responsibility to make sure that there is no form of child recruitment among the forces. We are committed to making sure children are protected.”
The United Nations has also pressed South Sudan to prioritize education and vocational training for its youth, providing children with more constructive pathways rather than drawing them into armed conflict. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN’s deputy representative in South Sudan, stressed that, “We are all working towards the same objective, to build a future where no child is forced to bear the burden of armed conflict.”
Allan Kudumoch Agon, a 21-year-old former child soldier, candidly recounted his harrowing experience of being forcibly taken from his home at a tender age. He reflected, “At the age of eight, I was forcibly taken away from our house into the bush. This was just the beginning of my encounter with adversity.” Allan expressed the lasting impact of his past, stating, “Being a child soldier left me with disgust and burdens that may last forever. My prayer is that no child should ever have to go through this situation. Let all of us in this program allow children to be children.”
In conclusion, the South Sudanese government is collaborating with the United Nations and various organizations to ensure that children are not subjected to the horrors of war again. The collective commitment to ending child soldier recruitment and prioritizing the protection of children’s rights is a significant step towards fostering a safer future for the youth of South Sudan.
The commitment made by South Sudan to end the use of child soldiers marks a pivotal move towards safeguarding the rights of children within the nation. Recognizing the profound impact of conflict on youth, the government, in conjunction with the UN and other organizations, is striving to prevent future recruitment. Through education and support systems, they aim to restore childhood experiences that have been lost to war.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
