The South Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission has announced the release of 49 children from military training centers and the armed forces as part of ongoing efforts to end the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict.
Speaking on Tuesday at the 4th National Child Protection Conference on the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan, DDR Commission Chairperson Ayuen Alier Jongroor said the children were released following high-level engagements conducted between April and June 2026.
“Twenty-three children were released from a military training centre in Malakal, 21 from a military training centre in Baryang of Ruweng Administrative Area, and five from former SPLA-IO forces that have since been integrated into the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in Yambio,” he stated.
Jongroor described the releases as a crucial step toward fulfilling South Sudan’s commitments to protect children affected by armed conflict. He added that the three-day conference provides a national platform for dialogue and collaboration among government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, and other stakeholders to strengthen child protection frameworks.
The chairperson also welcomed the extension of the Comprehensive Action Plan until 15 October 2027, noting that the additional time must be utilized to complete all outstanding commitments under the agreement.
“We should regard this extension as an opportunity to conclude all our standing commitments,” Jongroor said. He urged all stakeholders to ensure this extension becomes the final one through measurable progress, stronger accountability, and sustained cooperation.
Furthermore, he appealed to commanders of the SSPDF, SPLA-IO, and other organized forces to strictly prevent the recruitment of children into their ranks, emphasizing that child protection is a collective responsibility.
Adeng Andrew, Undersecretary in the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, reaffirmed the ministry’s dedication to safeguarding children and bolstering protective systems across the country.
“As a ministry, we remain committed to strengthening the child protection system, supporting family reunification, promoting psychosocial recovery, advancing juvenile justice reforms and ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said. “However, our policies can only be as effective as the laws that support them. Today, I wish to make an urgent appeal for the enactment of our pending legislations.”
For his part, Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Gen. Chol Thon Balok issued a stern warning to military leaders, stating that any armed group found recruiting children would face strict punishment. He stressed that protecting children is both a legal obligation and a moral responsibility.
“Anyone responsible for recruiting, using, abducting, killing, maiming or committing any grave violation against children will be investigated, prosecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of South Sudan,” he stressed. “No one is above the law. I also wish to emphasize that the recruitment and use of children has been criminalized.”
Meanwhile, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, UN Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, who doubles as the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, reiterated the gravity of the issue, describing the recruitment and use of children as one of the most severe violations of human rights. He emphasized that children belong in schools and communities where they can safely learn, grow, and contribute to South Sudan’s future.
Representing the Children’s Parliament, Nomai Momone Joseph called for greater involvement of children in decisions affecting their lives, emphasizing that youth voices are vital to shaping a peaceful future.
South Sudan has been implementing the Comprehensive Action Plan with support from the United Nations and partners to end and prevent grave violations against children during armed conflict. The latest release marks another milestone in the country’s efforts to comply with international child protection standards and advance the reintegration of former child recruits into their families and communities.
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