Dozens of children released by armed groups in South Sudan, marking International Day Against Child Soldiers

NEW YORK/YAMBIO, South Sudan, 12 February 2019 – One hundred and nineteen children were released today by an armed group in South Sudan, bringing the total number of those freed since the conflict began to more than 3,100. Forty-eight girls were among the group, with the youngest being 10 years old.

“When I traveled to South Sudan 18 months ago, I met with many young boys and girls who had been kidnapped and forced to work for armed groups. I will never forget the fear in their eyes when told me about the horrors they endured,” said David Morley, President and CEO of UNICEF Canada. “While the release today of 119 children is great news, the world must do whatever is necessary to protect boys and girls from becoming actors in war.”

Tuesday’s release took place in the south-west town of Yambio where the children had formerly been associated with the South Sudan National Liberation Movement, which signed a peace agreement with the government in 2016.

“Every child no longer with an armed group represents a childhood restored and a future regained,” said UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore, who traveled to South Sudan a year ago. “While this is an encouraging development, there is a long way to go before all of the more than 19,000 children still in their ranks are returned to their families.”

During the process, each child was registered and provided with a certificate stating they were no longer affiliated with the group. They then met with social workers, health workers and education specialists to assess their immediate needs. They were also provided with a reintegration package that included clothes, shoes and other basic items.

As with other groups, UNICEF and partners provide each child with 3 years of support to help them recover and reintegrate into civilian life and to prevent re-recruitment. For each released child assisted, one vulnerable child and their family from the host community is also supported to foster acceptance and promote a more sustainable reintegration. 

Since February 2018, more than 1,000 children have been released by various armed groups. 

“This year marks the 30th anniversary of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child, which requires governments to meet the basic needs of children and to help them reach their full potential,” said Fore. “Five months after the signing of a peace agreement, UNICEF calls on all parties to South Sudan’s conflict to recommit themselves to upholding these rights and to ensuring that children are never soldiers.”

The release coincided with International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. While exact data on the number of children used and recruited into armed conflict are difficult to confirm because of the unlawful nature of child recruitment, UNICEF estimates that tens of thousands of boys and girls under 18 are used in conflicts worldwide. Many have been taken by force, while others join due to economic or social pressure. Children who are displaced or living in poverty are even more vulnerable. Children are recruited or used for various functions by armed forces and groups, including as fighters, cooks, porters, messengers and spies, and subjected to sexual exploitation.