UNICEF Seeks End To Child Recruitment

The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Representative in the Central African Republic,(CAR) Souleymane Diabate, on Friday called for an immediate halt to child recruitment by armed groups in that Country. “Recent commitments under international law by the government and some rebel groups to keep children out of the fighting must be respected. “All violations must stop.

It is critical that everything is done to protect these children and keep their families safe,” he said.

The UNICEF representative said more than 300,000 children were affected by the violence in CAR with its consequences. According to him, such consequences include family separation, sexual violence, forced displacement and having limited access to education and health facilities.

Diabate expressed concern over the involvement of youths, under 18 who could be forced to fight, carry supplies, perform other support roles and be abused as sex slaves by armed groups. “A number of rebel groups and various pro-government militias have become more active in recent weeks in the capital city of Bangui and across the country. “Reliable sources have informed us that children are newly being recruited among their ranks, these reports are of serious concern.

“Our team on the ground is working with partners to monitor, verify, and respond to grave violations of child rights, including recruitment into armed groups.

“Those at greater risk are children who have lost their homes, are separated from their families or were formerly associated with armed groups,” he added.

He recalled that before the latest round of violence in the CAR erupted in December last year, close to 2,500 children, both girls and boys, were associated with multiple armed groups, including self-defence groups. Diabate, however, estimated that the number of displaced persons could rise if a quick resolution of the conflict was not achieved.