Fifteen former child soldiers have been released from the armed groups they fought for and are expected to be reunited with their families as announced by UNICEF. The boys are aged between 16 and 18 years and have been prisoners of war in the country since at least 2019.
The release, which is supported by UNICEF, the UN Mission to South Sudan and the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, is happening just over two weeks after an Action Plan to end and prevent all grave violations against children was signed by the Government of South Sudan. The Action Plan is the first of its kind and the most comprehensive plan signed by parties since the creation of the Children and Armed Conflict mandate.
Optimism has been expressed following the establishment of a new unity government in South Sudan formed by both warring sides which means that the children and the citizenry of South Sudan will enjoy prolonged peace.
The children will undergo intensified rehabilitation before reunion with their families and reintegration into the community and civilian life. Intelligence indicates that at least 2,100 children in South Sudan are associated with armed forces and armed groups and as such the new accord is expected to prevent such occurrences.
