UNMISS and Local Authorities Join Forces for Child Protection Workshop in Western Equatoria State

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and local authorities in Western Equatoria State conducted a vital two-day workshop on child protection, focusing on Mundri East and Tombura counties. This initiative aimed to raise awareness and promote the rights and well-being of children in a region heavily affected by the ongoing conflict.

Margareta Fozia, the Commissioner of Mundri East County, addressed the community leaders during the workshop, challenging them to actively report instances of child mistreatment. She emphasized the vulnerability of children and stressed that it is a collective responsibility to ensure their welfare. Fozia stated, “Children are vulnerable, and we are all responsible for their welfare. We have an obligation not to keep quiet if we notice that their rights are not respected. Community leaders should take the lead in making sure that suspected violations are reported.”

Philip Dor, representing the South Sudan Defense Forces (SSPDF), highlighted the significance of the workshop, indicating that it was the first time he had received training on children’s rights. Dor expressed his commitment to becoming an advocate for children’s rights, stating, “This has been important training because it is the first time that I have been made aware of these serious issues. From now on, I will be an ambassador for children’s rights and do my bit to make sure that boys and girls are not recruited or used by our troops.”

Doris Kayanga, the women’s representative for Mundri County, shed light on the plight of orphaned children who often experience mistreatment from their relatives, pushing them to consider joining the military as an alternative due to the maltreatment they face in the community. She noted, “The sons and daughters of divorced mothers are often disrespected, mistreated and considered less lovable than other children. For this reason, they are particularly at risk of being recruited by the armed forces, and they are also more likely to find army life a better option than staying at home.”

The workshop witnessed the participation of 50 individuals from both the armed forces and civil society. Its primary objective was to equip participants with a deeper understanding of children’s rights and the severe consequences endured by boys and girls who are forced to carry arms instead of pens and schoolbooks in South Sudan. This effort is a significant step toward protecting the future of the nation’s youth in the face of ongoing conflict and hardship.