Protecting Children in Conflict Zones: UNMISS Child Protection Unit Takes Action
Children are often the most vulnerable victims during times of conflict. In South Sudan, many children face horrifying experiences such as being killed, abducted, maimed, sexually violated, or recruited by armed forces. Some live in areas where humanitarian aid is blocked, and schools and medical facilities are taken over by military groups.
To address these grave violations of children’s rights in conflict-affected areas, the Child Protection Unit of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) conducts regular workshops for military personnel. These workshops aim to educate and remind them of their duty to protect children rather than recruit them into armed forces.
Recently, in Western Equatoria, 70 officers from different security organs in Tambura County participated in a two-day training session. The goal was to deepen their understanding of child protection obligations and empower them to prevent children from being recruited into armed groups.
First Lieutenant Gawar Duoth, one of the participants, expressed optimism about the impact of the training. He emphasized the importance of sharing knowledge with communities to change the reality of children being associated with armed forces. He acknowledged that individual members of armed groups may unknowingly violate children’s rights and highlighted the need for greater awareness among uniformed personnel nationwide.
Colonel Daniel Joseph, Inspector of Police in Tambura, stressed the importance of holding accountable anyone who violates children’s rights. He emphasized that there can be no impunity for such actions.
Rita Bampo, a Child Protection Officer with UNMISS in Yambio, emphasized the ongoing efforts to raise awareness about children’s rights in conflict-affected areas like Tambura. She highlighted the role of workshops in informing military and security personnel about UNMISS’s mandate, the legal framework for children’s rights, and the specific responsibilities of uniformed staff in protecting children from armed forces.
Continued efforts to educate and raise awareness among military and security personnel are crucial in ensuring the safety and well-being of children in conflict zones. The UNMISS Child Protection Unit remains committed to its mission of protecting children’s rights and preventing their recruitment into armed forces.
Original content distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
