South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Benjamin Takpiny
The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) on Friday accused the armed opposition National Salvation Front (NAS) and other armed elements of abducting children in the greater Yei region of Central Equatoria State.
The UN mission said in a statement in Juba, that it is gravely concerned by the rising abductions, allegedly carried out in Yei River, Morobo and Lainya counties.
It disclosed that it received reports of some 12 cases of abductions in July, affecting 134 individuals, six of whom are children.
“The abduction of children, in particular, exposes them to various risks, including possible recruitment and use in armed conflict; sexual and gender-based violence, trafficking; and other forms of exploitation,” it said.
Nicholas Haysom, Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of UNMISS noted that children as well as adults in captivity, must be released immediately and unconditionally, adding that such incidents not only go against international human rights and humanitarian law but also have a devastating impact on communities, creating fear and uncertainty.
“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,” Haysom said.
UNMISS said that abductions remain an ongoing threat to security and peacebuilding efforts in the country, adding that the mission is proactively engaging with relevant national, state, and local authorities on this issue.
