The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said it has facilitated the release of 128 child soldiers from a disbanded rebel group in Yambio.
According to a statement by UNICEF, some 90 boys and 38 girls were released from the South Sudan National Liberation Movement (SSNLM) and the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in opposition (SPLA-IO) groups.
This is the fourth release of children since outbreak of conflict in December 2013.
“The progress made this year gives us reason to hope that one day all of the 19,000 children still serving in the ranks of armed groups and armed forces will be able to return to their families,” said Mahimbo Mdoe, UNICEF’s Representative in South Sudan.
Mdoe disclosed that they will continue working towards ending the use and recruitment of children in conflict.
UNICEF said the children were formally disarmed and provided with civilian clothes.
The UN agency also said that the children would be undergoing medical screenings and counseling and psychosocial support as part of the reintegration programme, which is implemented by UNICEF and partners.
For his part, the government of Gbudue state confirmed to Radio Tamazuj that over 100 child soldiers were released on Tuesday.
Gbudue’s minister of information Hussein Enoka said that all the released children aged between 11 and 17 years old.
He pointed out that the event was attended by several ambassadors, donors and the UN Children’s Fund UNICEF.