War Child Alerts to Risks of Child Recruitment Amidst South Sudan Conflict
War Child alerts to the threatening conditions for 5.4 million children in South Sudan due to escalating violence, fearing increased recruitment into armed groups. With significant humanitarian needs and recent displacements, the organization continues to provide support such as mental health services and education while calling for peace to protect children’s rights.
War Child is increasingly alarmed by the deteriorating situation in South Sudan, particularly concerning the 5.4 million children and youth at risk of violence and recruitment into armed groups. Recent clashes around Juba, Western Equatoria, and the Upper Nile states have displaced approximately 50,000 individuals, with 10,000 having fled to Ethiopia. This conflict, compounded by environmental disasters, has left 4.5 million children in urgent need of humanitarian assistance and exposed them to gender-based violence, malnutrition, and educational disruption.
As tensions escalate, War Child emphasizes the risk that children will be involved in armed conflict, especially in conflict-ridden regions. Zerihun Yohannes, War Child’s Country Director in South Sudan, expressed deep concerns for children missing out on education and childhood, stating that escalating violence tends to correlate with increased child recruitment into warfare. Children affected by these circumstances face multifaceted challenges, including severe psychological issues such as post-traumatic stress disorder.
War Child is committed to ensuring the safety of these children from recruitment into armed conflicts and other forms of harm. While the organization’s activities, offering mental health services, education, child protection, and livelihood assistance, currently remain unaffected by rising insecurity, they are poised to provide even more support if the situation deteriorates. In 2024 alone, War Child assisted 689 children, including those linked with armed groups, facilitating reunifications with caregivers and providing psychosocial support.
The organization calls for all conflicting parties to pursue peaceful resolutions that prioritize the protection of children in South Sudan, a nation plagued by decades of violence. It is vital to respect children’s rights and safeguard their futures rather than forcing them into violent circumstances. War Child advocates for the rights of children worldwide, reaffirming that no child should endure the ravages of war.
In conclusion, the escalating conflict in South Sudan poses a serious threat to children and youth, prompting War Child to warn against the potential rise in child recruitment to armed forces. The organization is dedicated to providing crucial support to those affected while urging all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the safety and rights of children. Ensuring peace and safeguarding the future of these vulnerable individuals is of utmost importance.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
