S. Sudan conflict ‘devastating’ for country’s children: UN
December 30, 2014 (KAMPALA) – The conflict in South Sudan has seriously hampered the protection of children, increasing their vulnerability dramatically, the United Nations secretary general said in a new report published this week.
The report specifically covers the period from 1 March 2011 and 30 September 2014.
Documented cases of violations committed against children in South Sudan were reportedly in the form of killings and maiming, recruitment and use, sexual violence, abduction, attacks against schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access
“The data collected and verified by the UN is devastating,” Leila Zerrougui, the special representative of the secretary-general for children and armed conflict said Tuesday.
“The children of South Sudan were not only affected by renewed violence, they have been directly targeted by all parties to the conflict,” she added.
According to the report, during the period between December 2013 and September 2014, over 600 children were killed, further stressing that thousands of child soldiers were seen with state and non-state armed groups during the same period.
The UN also found that dozens of cases of boys and girls who were victims of sexual violence committed by all parties to the conflict, although the actual number is likely to be higher due to underreporting. Schools and hospitals were targeted as well.
The UN report faults all parties to the conflict in South Sudan were responsible for grave violations against children during the reporting period, including killing and maiming, recruitment and use, abduction and rape and other forms of sexual violence.
“Six months later, we are still waiting to see boys and girls released and other meaningful actions that will help shield the country’s children from the violence,” said Zerrougui.
She said the South Sudan army (SPLA) and all other parties, mid this year, pledged to end and prevent the use of children as well as all grave violations against children.
Meanwhile, report called on South Sudan government to develop a disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration programme for children separated from armed forces and groups.
“This programme should be designed to ensure that children receive adequate support and reintegration assistance, with particular attention to the specific needs of girls,” it said.
The UN further urged South Sudanese authorities to end impunity for perpetrators of violence.
(ST)