UNICEF Oversees Release of 300 Child Soldiers in S. Sudan

United Nations (PNA/Xinhua) — The United Nations Children ‘s Fund (UNICEF) and its partners are overseeing the release of another 300 children from an armed group in Pibor, Jonglei State, in the east of South Sudan, UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a daily briefing on Wednesday.

“The children surrendered their weapons and will spend their first night in an interim care center where they will be provided with food, water and clothing. They will also have access to health and psychosocial services,” said Dujarric.

According to the UN, 249 children aged between 11 and 17 were released in the country’s Gumuruk two weeks ago. Among them, 179 have returned home to their families while 70 are remaining with UNICEF-supported interim care center.

A UN report published at the end of last year outlined grave violations of children’s rights in South Sudan, saying thousands of child soldiers were seen with State and non-State armed groups during the period between December 2013 and September 2014.

In last June, South Sudan has renewed its commitment to the Action Plan signed in 2012 with the UN to end the recruitment and use of children in government armed forces, and other grave violations.

The Action Plan, originally signed in 2009 and renewed in 2012, resulted in the release of more than 1,000 children, command orders banning child recruitment and use, as well as the creation of a Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) unit dedicated to the protection of children. (PNA/Xinhua) FPV/EBP