Senior SPLA Officers Urged to Protect Children in Armed Conflict

The child protection unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) conducted a workshop training SPLA officers to understand and respect national and international legislation governing the protection of children and their own responsibilities under those laws.

30 Oct 2017

Senior SPLA Officers Urged to Protect Children in Armed Conflict

Francesca Mold

Senior South Sudanese army officers have been urged to show leadership by ensuring their troops protect children caught up in armed conflict and prevent the recruitment and use of children as fighters.  

The child protection unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) conducted a workshop training officers to understand and respect national and international legislation governing the protection of children and their own responsibilities under those laws.

Speaking at the workshop, Brigadier General Chaplain Khamis said the SPLA had a responsibility to protect, to prevent and respond to direct and indirect violence, neglect, exploitation and abuse against children.

“We are fighters. We have been trained to shoot and kill but we have also been trained to observe national and international laws,” he said. “Children’s rights are human rights and they deserve special protection during armed conflict.”

The Brigadier General said that protecting children’s rights was an important element in ensuring peace and stability in South Sudan. “During armed conflict, you need to pay special attention to protecting children. Why? Because they are vulnerable,” he said. “It is our duty to protect them.”

The Government is primarily responsible for the protection of civilians, including children, through the armed forces, police, security elements and national institutions, he said.

“Children must not be targeted in military operations. The SPLA is eager to respect and protect children’s rights in order to build a reputation of professionalism and respect for human rights.”