New regulations were introduced in Yei County, last week that extend the rights of children. Introduced on the Day of the African Child, the law is wide-ranging in its protections for youth in the area.

Those who don’t send children to school are liable to pay 1500 SSP, and those who exploit child labor could face one month in prison. Those who don’t send a child to school are also liable to pay a fine. Children should not be forced into marriage, and the use of child soldiers are strictly prohibited under the law.

The law also cracks down on sexual abuse. Any teacher who sexually abuses a girl faces up to 14 years in prison. 

Some of the new rules could be controversial. Any person who buys a phone for a child could face up to two months in prison.

“Possession of phones by school children within or outside school environment is prohibited,” the law reads.