Sudan signs plan to end recruitment of child soldiers

Child soldiers have been used for many years in Sudan’s conflict

The United Nations has welcomed a promise from Sudan to stop the recruitment of child soldiers in its national security forces.

An action plan signed yesterday also includes measures to release child soldiers and improve the protection of children affected by armed conflict.

Sudan was one of seven countries named and shamed by the UN over the use of child soldiers – who, as well as being put in danger, miss out on education and the opportunity to fulfil their potential.

All seven have now committed to the goals of the Children Not Soldiers campaign to end and prevent recruitment of use by government security forces.

Leila Zerrougui of the UN Office for Children and Armed Conflict witnesses the signing Picture: Facebook/UNOCAC

“Twenty years after my mandate was created, governments around the world now agree that children should not be associated with national security forces in conflict,” said Leila Zerrougui, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, who witnesses the signing of the plan.

“The Action Plan signed today will bring about a more protected future for the country’s children. I look forward to its full implementation and reiterate my full support to the Sudanese authorities to reach this objective.”

The plan was signed at a ceremony held at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Khartoum and attended by cabinet ministers. The government said it would work with the UN to ensure the plan is implemented.

Ibrahim Adam Ibrahim, Sudan’s Minister of Social Welfare, said: “We will work to promote and protect children’s rights in areas of armed conflict and displacement.”