UNICEF says that since the beginning of the year, over 650 children have been recruited into South Sudanese armed groups. The agency is extremely worried that renewed fighting is likely to put at even greater risk, tens of thousands of children. As such UNICEF is calling for an immediate cessation of recruitment and the total release of all children being held by armed actors. Since the crisis first began in December 2013, it is estimated that 16,000 children have been recruited by armed groups. UNICEF says the practice of recruiting children continues despite widespread political commitment to end it.
“The dream we all shared for the children of this young country has become a nightmare,” said UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Justin Forsyth, speaking from Nairobi following a trip to Bentiu and Juba in South Sudan. “At this precarious stage in South Sudan’s short history, UNICEF fears that a further spike in child recruitment could be imminent.”
Grave Violations
Last year UNICEF was responsible for the release of 1,775 former child soldiers, one of the largest such releases ever. Despite that success renewed conflict and recruitment in South Sudan will undo much of the progress that has been made in recent years. UNICEF has also drawn attention to the fact that grave violations are taking place in the youngest country in the world such as gender based violence which was already pervasive but because of the current crisis has greatly intensified.
Sexual exploitation continues
Mr. Forsyth says that the country’s children continue to have to endure horrific ordeals whilst there are plenty of reports which suggest the sexual violence against girls and women is widespread. Mr. Forsyth adds the systematic use of sexual exploitation, rape and abduction as a weapon of war in South Sudan must end now. UNICEF says that it is necessary for the agency to gain unconditional access for humanitarian interventions in Juba as well as other parts of the country, so that support, protection and assistance can be provided to children and women throughout the country. Forsyth adds that unless there is a fully operational humanitarian sector, the consequences will be catastrophic for children and their families.
