UNICEF condemns child abductions by S. Sudan armed groups

February 21, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations Child Fund (UNICEF) has condemned the recent abduction of children in South Sudan’s Upper Nile state, describing it as a violation of international laws.

“The recruitment and use of children by armed forces destroys families and communities,” Veitch said in a statement.

According to UNICEF, scores of boys, some as young as 13, were abducted by an armed group near the Upper Nile capital, Malakal.

The agency reports that 89 children were abducted while doing their exams, adding that the actual numbers could be much higher.

The incident reportedly occurred among the Wau Shilluk communities, where the conflict has displaced thousands of people.

An eye witness quoted by UNICEF officials said that armed soldiers surrounded the community and searched house by house, adding “Boys older than 12 years of age were taken away by force”.

“Children are exposed to incomprehensible levels of violence, they lose their families and their chance to go to school,” said Veitch.

UNICEF urged the conflicting parties to ensure children are kept out of the conflict.

“UNICEF reminds all parties involved in the conflict that the recruitment and use of children in armed forces and groups is a grave violation of international law,” UNICEF said.

Last week, the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) accused South Sudan’s warring parties of allegedly recruiting children to join their ranks.

However, the South Sudanese government has dismissed the findings of the report.

(ST)