RUWENG ADMINISTRATIVE AREA - For most children between the ages of 15 and 17, school is a place of learning and hope for a better future.
But that future was abruptly interrupted for some 21 boys, mostly from Jonglei, the Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Aweil and Warrap, when they were recruited into armed conflict.
In February this year, reports emerged alleging forced recruitment of youth, including potential minors, for possible military training prior to the establishment of a military presence in the Ruweng Administrative Area.
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), therefore, undertook a joint verification mission.
Together with partners from the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF), the National Technical Committee on the Comprehensive Action Plan, the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (NDDRC), and a technical team from within the Administrative Area itself, UNMISS visited the Manjaba military training center in Pariang for a screening and verification mission.
“When we went through the parade and screened them, we found 21 of them are underage,” explained Anyuen Alier, Chairperson, NDDRC.
Such verification processes, said Pamela Wadegu, a Child Protection Officer from the UN Peacekeeping mission’s Field Office in Bentiu, are vital in ensuring that child rights are upheld across South Sudan.
“Children must be in school; the armed forces are no place for them,” she stated. “Therefore, we work closely with senior generals from the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) to verify any allegation of child recruitment. We want the best for the children of this country, which is why we work in partnership to support their release and ensure they have a second chance to return to learning.”
These children had undergone months of military training, with some already included in the payroll. Despite initial hesitation, the boys expressed relief once they changed out of the uniforms given to them.
“I will be very happy to see my mother and my sisters. I have not seen them in a long time,” said one of them upon release.
UNICEF in Bentiu, Unity state, received all the 21 boys into their care.
Luel Ding, Head, UNICEF Bentiu, assured that they will receive comprehensive care before they rejoin their families.
“We will look after their welfare until they are reunited with their families by making sure that psychosocial support is given, they receive counselling and participate in recreational activities.”
In April, through a similar joint mission, 23 underage combatants were also released from military training in Malakal, Upper Nile state.
UNMISS continues to work with partners and national authorities to ensure compliance with the Comprehensive Action Plan which aims to eliminate all grave violations of child rights, including underage or forced recruitment.
By Matiisetso Mosala
