Western Equatoria State Governor Barrister James Al-Taib Jazz Berapai, the State Ministry of Gender, and senior representatives of UNICEF and UNMISS have issued a powerful call for action to protect children from the devastating effects of conflict, poverty, and exploitation.
In a landmark meeting in Yambio, government and UN officials reaffirmed their partnership to tackle child rights violations and strengthen long-term support for vulnerable children.
The dialogue placed children at the center of peace and recovery efforts in a state that has been scarred by conflict but remains determined to rebuild.
“Every one of us was once a child,” Governor Berapai declared in an impassioned address. “A child’s right is like a coin, one side held by the government, the other side by our international partners. Together, we must protect it. If we fail, the future of this country fails with us.”
The meeting revealed troubling realities, as hundreds of children in Western Equatoria and across South Sudan continue to face grave violations.
These include recruitment and use by armed groups, killing and maiming, sexual violence, and the occupation of schools.
Although progress has been made with over 1,100 children released from armed groups in the past year alone violations persist.
In Tombura and parts of Maridi, schools once used by armed actors have been vacated, but new incidents of child abductions and attacks continue to be reported.
According to the UN team, child protection officers documented fresh cases just last week, underscoring the urgency of collective action.
“Child protection is everyone’s responsibility,” one UN official stressed. “We cannot look away when children are being robbed of their future.”
Partners also highlighted positive strides.
Released children are being enrolled in vocational training centers, learning carpentry, building, welding, and electrical work to help them reintegrate into society.
So far, more than 50 young people have completed training and begun supporting their families.
The State Minister of Gender Cicilia Anigunde Bemphasized that while emergency protection is critical, long-term investment in children is equally vital. “Education, healthcare, nutrition, and safe spaces are not luxuries they are rights. And they are the foundation of peace,” she said.
Across South Sudan, the situation remains dire. UNICEF reports that over 9 million people need humanitarian assistance, half of them children.
Malnutrition rates remain among the highest in the world, with one in four children stunted. Widespread displacement has disrupted education for thousands, leaving an entire generation at risk of illiteracy.
Yet amidst these challenges, Western Equatoria leaders insist that solutions are within reach. “We were once children ourselves,” Governor Berapai reminded participants. “Today, it is our sacred duty to ensure the children of South Sudan grow up safe, healthy, and prepared to build the future we all long for.”
The meeting closed with a united pledge from the government and its international partners to intensify coordination, strengthen child protection units, and keep children’s voices at the heart of decision-making.
“The future of this state rests on the shoulders of its children,” said Denis Bambura, Head of the UNMISS child protection in Western Equatoria. “When we protect them, we protect peace itself.”
