The federal government made this dedication on February 18, because the nation marked the Worldwide Day In opposition to the Use of Little one Troopers, also called Purple Hand Day.
Esther Ikere, a senior official on the Ministry of Gender, Little one, and Social Welfare, mentioned the federal government understands the seriousness of the problem and is working laborious to guard kids.
She mentioned they’re taking steps to verify kids are usually not recruited, that those that had been pressured to struggle are helped, and that the the explanation why kids find yourself as troopers are addressed.
“Kids who must be in lecture rooms, taking part in, and dreaming of their futures have as an alternative been pressured to bear the burdens of battle. They’ve been robbed of their innocence, their schooling, and their basic rights,” she mentioned. “We should acknowledge the immense hurt this has brought about.”
The nation has skilled years of battle, and lots of kids have been pressured to struggle. Some had been kidnapped, whereas others joined armed teams as a result of that they had no different choices. Many have suffered bodily and emotional ache, and their childhoods have been stolen from them.
Normal Ashhab Khamis Fahal, a senior official in South Sudan’s military, mentioned army leaders have been knowledgeable that recruiting kids isn’t allowed.
“It’s their duty to guarantee that there isn’t any type of baby recruitment among the many forces,” he mentioned. “We’re dedicated to creating positive kids are protected.”
The United Nations additionally urged South Sudan to deal with schooling and coaching for younger individuals in order that kids are given higher alternatives as an alternative of being pulled into battle.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the UN’s deputy consultant in South Sudan, mentioned the UN will proceed working with the federal government to cease baby recruitment.
“We’re all working in direction of the identical goal, to construct a future the place no baby is pressured to bear the burden of armed battle,” she was quoted by native information outlet Anadolu Ajansı.
Allan Kudumoch Agon, a 21-year-old former baby soldier, spoke on the occasion. He shared his painful expertise of being taken from his dwelling as a baby and compelled into battle. “On the age of eight, I used to be forcibly taken away from our home into the bush,” he mentioned. “This was only the start of my encounter with adversity.”
Allan mentioned the expertise has left deep scars. “Being a baby soldier left me with disgust and burdens which will final without end,” he mentioned. “My prayer is that no baby ought to ever should undergo this case. Let all of us on this program permit kids to be kids.”
The federal government, the UN, and different teams at the moment are working collectively to make sure that no baby is pressured into battle once more.
