Children, not soldiers
Using children in armed conflict is a grave child rights violation. It must end.
Some nightmares have once been a reality.
Children used by armed forces and armed groups have lived through what only happens in adult’s worst nightmares.
The ‘When I close my eyes’ video series below shows the importance of social workers and families for children recovering from traumatic experiences.
Meet Josephine Bakhita, one of the social workers crucial to UNICEF’s reintegration programme.
I love to support them just like my own children.
Through the UNICEF supported reintegration programme for children associated with armed forces and armed groups, children are provided with a dedicated social worker for a duration of three years. This is essential for the success of the programme and in particular children's mental health.
In the video below meet Josephine Bakhita, a social worker in Yambio South Sudan who works with children associated with armed forces and armed groups. When she speaks about her cases, she always refer to them as her children, and when they speak about her, they always use the word mother – indicative of their close relationship.
Sadly, the stories of child soldiers are numerous.
“Young people who survive war have an amazing ability to persevere and become the champions for peace that are so needed, despite the horrors they have been through. I know from experience that all that pain, that unimaginable suffering, and that sense of loss of humanity, can all be refocused towards something positive. Especially when you have someone who believes in you, supports you and extends a helping hand.”
Look through the stories below to meet the children affected by armed recruitment in South Sudan and learn about their fight to regain peace in their lives.
Resources
Thanks to our donors
UNICEF South Sudan is especially thankful for support to the reintegration programme from USAID, The EU and ECHO, the US special Envoy to Sudan and South Sudan, and the National Committees for UNICEF in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, France Norway and Spain
