YAMBIO – Brutally ripped away from their families, nine children in Western Equatoria found themselves recruited into armed forces, subjected to fighting a fight they had no desire to be part of.
Some recruited as young as seven or ten years old, they spent most of their childhood carrying guns instead of toys.
Until the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), together with South Sudan's National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, and UNICEF, facilitated an exercise to identify minor soldiers in the armed ranks.
“Children cannot be soldiers. This is the policy of the military based on our constitution which states that no person below the age of 18 should be recruited or used by men and women in uniform,” explains Oluku Andrew Holt, National Coordinator, for the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups.
Following their release, the boys are now receiving both psychosocial support and skills training to support their healing and prepare them for a better future ahead.
“At Tindoka Technical School here in Yambio, we have skills training, including training on electricity, tailoring, masonry, and welding. By acquiring these skills, they can create opportunities for themselves and build a better future. For younger children, we will help enroll them in UNICEF-supported schools,” shared Clement Gbatanawo, UNICEF Yambio Head of Field Office.
To UNMISS, verification processes like this are part of ongoing efforts to ensure that no child is left behind as emphasized by Rita Bampo, UNMISS Child Protection Officer:
“We remain committed to support the government of South Sudan to ensure the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan to prevent and end the six grave violations against children."
As they leave military life behind, these boys now have an opportunity to return to their families, continue their education, learn new skills and pursue the future they deserve.
