27 November 2013 - Aiming to eliminate young people from South Sudanese military ranks, UNMISS concluded a two-day workshop on child protection today in Malakal, Upper Nile State.

Part of an agreement to support implementation of the UN- Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) revised action plan to end child recruitment, the activity was attended by 28 SPLA commanders from two state divisions.

In a joint recommendation, participants pledged to immediately release all children associated with the army. “We have learned that we should not keep child soldiers inside military barracks,” said Brigadier General Stephen Buay Rolnyang.

Major Gen. Lau Chol Doul urged participants to benefit from the training. “All the tribes in South Sudan take care of their children until they grow up,” he said.

UNMISS Child Protection Unit head Hazel De Wet said her unit had been supporting the SPLA in identifying child soldiers.

“By your commitment, your decision, your willingness, your understanding and action you can make a huge change in your army, (helping it) to become child soldier-free,” she said.