UNICEF: 3,000 South Sudan child soldiers to be released
The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) says 3,000 South Sudanese children recruited as soldiers during the violence that has plagued the world’s youngest nation will be gradually released.
UNICEF announced on Tuesday that the children, aged between 11 and 17, were recruited by the South Sudan Democratic Army (SSDA) Cobra Faction, led by David Yau Yau.
“These children have been forced to do and see things no child should ever experience,” said Jonathan Veitch, the UNICEF South Sudan representative.
“The release of thousands of children requires a massive response to provide the support and protection these children need to begin rebuilding their lives,” he added.
On the same day, 280 boys gave up their weapons and uniforms and were released from SSDA ranks and handed over to UNICEF in the village of Gumuruk in the eastern state of Jonglei.
According to UNICEF, the rest of child soldiers will be released in batches over the next few weeks.
Armed groups in South Sudan have recruited some 12,000 children as soldiers over the past year, UNICEF says.
South Sudan plunged into violence in December 2013, when fighting erupted between troops loyal to President Salva Kiir and defectors led by his former deputy, Riek Machar, around the capital, Juba.
The clashes left tens of thousands of South Sudanese dead, and forced almost two million people from their homes.
On January 21, the president and the rebel leader, signed a pact in the northern Tanzanian city of Arusha to end hostilities in the country.
South Sudan gained independence in July 2011 after its people overwhelmingly voted in a referendum for a split from Sudan.
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