Four children abducted in Abyei freed after UN mediation

April 9 2015 (KHARTOUM) – A group of four children who were abducted in the disputed region of Abyei last month have been released, the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) said.

The children, aged between six and 12, were reportedly taken by gunmen after an attack on Marial Achak village in the disputed oil-producing region.

The children, two girls and boys, were released after tribal mediation with the support of the UN Interim Security Force for Abyei (UNISFA).

In a statement, UNICEF said it was together with its partners assisting with the family reunification of the children, and were providing the children with any necessary counseling and psychological support.

“UNICEF condemns in the strongest possible terms all forms of abduction of children. Children are not a commodity and can never be held for ransom or against any other form of compensation,” said Geert Cappelaere, the UNICEF representative in Sudan.

“A country, region or community will only truly thrive if investment in health, development and protection against violence, abuse and exploitation of all girls and boys is a top priority and agreed by all,” he added.

(ST)