Newly released child soldiers wait in a line for their registration during the release ceremony in Yambio, South Sudan. (Stefanie Glinski / AFP/Getty Images)
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Friday 2 August expressed grave concern about rising abductions, allegedly carried out by the National Salvation Front (NAS) and other armed elements, in the greater Yei region of Central Equatoria state, predominantly impacting Yei River, Morobo and Lainya counties.
Last month, UNMISS said it received reports of some 12 such cases, affecting 134 individuals, six of whom are children.
UNMISS Chief, Nicholas Haysom fears that the abducted children are at risk of possible recruitment and use in armed conflict; sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking; and other forms of exploitation.
“Children as well as adults in captivity must be released immediately and unconditionally. Such incidents not only go against international human rights and humanitarian law but also have a devastating impact on communities, creating fear and uncertainty,” Nicholas said.
“We urge the Government of South Sudan to conduct immediate investigations and remind involved parties of their human rights obligations. We also call for collective action by all stakeholders, including the Government, to strengthen measures that prevent recurring abductions and bring perpetrators to justice swiftly,” he added.
Abductions remain an ongoing threat to security and peacebuilding efforts.
For its part, UNMISS is proactively engaging with relevant national, state, and local authorities on this issue, Nicholas concluded.
Efforts to reach the NAS spokesperson for comments have been futile.
