South Sudan has vowed to cease the use of child soldiers and prevent future recruitment of children into armed groups. This commitment was made during the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers. Government officials expressed the seriousness of the situation and the need to protect children. The UN has also committed to supporting these efforts by emphasizing education and training for young people. Former child soldier Allan Agon shared his experiences, highlighting the trauma caused by such recruitment.
On February 18, South Sudan pledged to cease the recruitment of child soldiers and to ensure that no children are coerced into joining armed groups. This commitment was made during the observance of the International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers, also known as Red Hand Day. Senior officials emphasized the importance of protecting children and addressing the underlying causes that lead to their recruitment into armed forces.
Esther Ikere, from the Ministry of Gender, Child, and Social Welfare, stated the government acknowledges the gravity of the situation and is dedicated to safeguarding children’s rights. She expressed that children should be engaged in education and play, not exposed to the horrors of war. This reflects a broader recognition of the detrimental impact the conflict has had on the youth of South Sudan.
General Ashhab Khamis Fahal of South Sudan’s army affirmed that military leaders have been instructed to prevent child recruitment. He highlighted the military’s responsibility in protecting children from being conscripted into armed forces. The government and military are committed to ensuring that children are not incorporated into warfare.
The United Nations has urged the South Sudanese government to prioritize education and vocational training for young people to provide them with positive alternatives. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN’s deputy representative, reiterated the UN’s commitment to collaborating with the government to eradicate child recruitment. The collective aim is to create a future devoid of child soldiers.
Allan Kudumoch Agon, a former child soldier, shared his harrowing experience of being abducted and forced to fight at the age of eight. He conveyed the long-lasting emotional and psychological scars resulting from his past. Agon fervently wished that no other child would endure such trauma and advocated for a future where children can thrive in peace.
The collaborative efforts of the South Sudanese government, the United Nations, and other organizations signify a hopeful stride towards the protection and rehabilitation of children. The aim is to prevent any child from being subjected to the ravages of war, emphasizing the necessity for children to enjoy their rights and obtain an education.
In conclusion, South Sudan has made a crucial commitment to eliminate the use of child soldiers and protect children from armed conflict. The government’s acknowledgment of this humanitarian crisis, combined with the support from the United Nations, underscores an important movement toward safeguarding children’s rights. Continued efforts must focus on education and rehabilitation to ensure that no child is ever forced into warfare again.
Original Source: globalsouthworld.com
