SOUTH SUDAN / CHILD SOLDIERS RELEASE

Nine children formerly associated with armed forces in Western Equatoria State are beginning a new chapter in life after being identified, released, and handed over for reintegration into communities. UNMISS

• Video Length: 00:03:23
• Production Date: 9 June 2026
• Asset Language: English
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS MISSION IN SOUTH SUDAN – UNMISS
• Subject Topical: CHILD SOLDIERS
• Geographic Subject: SOUTH SUDAN
• MAMS Id: 3584525
• Parent Id: 3584525
• Alternate Title: unifeed260609b

Description

STORY: SOUTH SUDAN / CHILD SOLDIERS RELEASED
TRT: 03:23
SOURCE: UNMISS
RESTRICTIONS: NONE
LANGUAGE: ENGLISH / NATS

DATELINE: 3 JUNE 2026 AND 18 MAY 2026, YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE, SOUTH SUDAN

Shotlist

18 MAY 2026, YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE, SOUTH SUDAN

1. Various shots, the verification and release of children within the ranks of the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces Brigade 16 headquarters in Yambio, Western Equatoria

3 JUNE 2026, YAMBIO, WESTERN EQUATORIA STATE, SOUTH SUDAN

2. SOUNDBITE (English) Oluku Andrew Holt, National Coordinator, for the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups (CAAFAG):
"These are the military uniforms that we found with the children who wanted to be in the military but, because of their age they are not eligible to be trained as the national army in South Sudan. This is the policy of the military, the white paper is very clear, the constitution of South Sudan is very clear, the DDR policy document is very clear, and Child Act states that no person below the age of 18 should be recruited or used by men and women in uniform.”
3. Various shots, the verification and release of children at the South Sudan People’s Defense Forces (SSPDF) brigade 16 headquarters in Yambio, Western Equatoria
4. Various shots, DDR official handing over military uniform to SSPDF commanders after release of child soldiers
5. SOUNDBITE (Arabic) Clement Gbatanawo, Head of Field Office, UNICEF Yambio:
“Some of these children around 17 left home or were recruited when they were as young as seven or ten years old. We have the DDR-owned Tindoka Technical School here in Yambio. There, we have skills training, including training on electricity, tailoring, masonry, and welding. By acquiring these skills, they can create opportunities for themselves and build a better future. For younger children, we will help enroll them in UNICEF-supported schools.”
6. Various shots, former child soldiers receiving UNICEF branded bags and clothes
7. SOUNDBITE (English) Rita Bampo, Child Protection Officer, UNMISS Yambio Field Office: “During this verification, we identified five boys between the ages of 16 and 17 who have been released and handed over to UNICEF for reintegration. UNMISS remains committed to support the government of South Sudan to ensure the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan to prevent and end the six grave violations against children."
8. Various shots, State technical committee members, UNMISS, UNICEF and SSPDF engaging with released child soldiers

Storyline

Nine children formerly associated with armed forces in Western Equatoria State are beginning a new chapter in life after being identified, released, and handed over for reintegration into communities.

The process, led by South Sudan's National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission, with support from UNICEF, the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, and State authorities, is part of ongoing efforts to end the recruitment and use of children by armed forces.

SOUNDBITE (English) Oluku Andrew Holt, National Coordinator for the Disarmament, Demobilization, and Reintegration (DDR) of Children Associated with Armed Forces and Groups (CAAFAG): "These are the military uniforms that we found with the children who wanted to be in the military, but because of their age they are not eligible to be trained as the national army in South Sudan. This is the policy of the military, the white paper is very clear, the constitution of South Sudan is very clear, the DDR policy document is very clear, and Child Act states that no person below the age of 18 should be recruited or used by men and women in uniform.”

The children are now receiving support to help them rebuild their lives and pursue opportunities outside military structures, including education, vocational training, and psychosocial support tailored to their individual needs.
SOUNDBITE (English) Clement Gbatanawo, Head of UNICEF Field Office in Yambio: “Some of these children around 17 left home or were recruited when they were as young as seven or ten years old. We have the DDR-owned Tindoka Technical School here in Yambio. There we have skills training, including training on electricity, tailoring, masonry, and welding. By acquiring these skills, they can create opportunities for themselves and build a better future. For younger children, we will help enroll them in UNICEF-supported schools.”

Their release is yet another step in the ongoing progress of solidifying South Sudan's commitment to protect children affected by conflict.

SOUNDBITE (English) Rita Bampo, Child Protection Officer, UNMISS Yambio: “During this verification, we identified five boys between the ages of 16 and 17 who have been released and handed over to UNICEF for reintegration. UNMISS remains committed to support the government of South Sudan to ensure the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan to prevent and end the six grave violations against children."

As they leave military life behind, these boys now have an opportunity to return to their families, continue their education, learn new skills and pursue the future they deserve.