The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) on Tuesday flew seven children from Khartoum to Juba where they will rejoin their families.

Baptiste Jacobe De Naurois, ICRC delegate, said that “the trip marks the beginning of a new life for these children.” The seven children, aged between 8 and 16 years, have been living in a child-care centre in Khartoum.

The Frenchman, who accompanied the children from Khartoum, said that ICRC in Juba will provide them with essential household and hygiene items.

“This is a fresh start for the youngsters, and we wish them all the best of luck," he added.

The organization managed to locate the children’s families through cooperation with the South Sudan Red Cross. The children had been separated from their families for a long time.

Jean-Christophe Sandoz, the head of the ICRC delegation in Sudan has thank the authorities of both countries for their prompt handling of the required paperwork, which enabled the children to be on their way home.

Photo: Street children collecting empty bottles of water, File photo