Preventing the Recruitment and Use of Children: An Analysis of the Barriers to Implementing the Vancouver Principles in South Sudan and Somalia

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Somali children dream of a better Somalia and are looking to have a Somalia that is free from conflict, where there is peace and where they will feel safe.

Somali children have big dreams, with many wanting to be teachers, engineers, doctors, and much more, to contribute to their community.

Unfortunately, Somalia for decades has endured cycles of conflicts, political transitions and climate shocks, and droughts and floods that have reshaped livelihoods and displaced millions. The context is fragile and sensitive, with children being born in the conflicts and transitioning into adulthood while still in conflict. Despite these challenges, the country remains committed to rebuilding and has hope for a peaceful Somalia not marred by the narratives of conflict.

The co-existence of the realities of fragility and stability is reflected in many parts of Southern Somalia, where the impacts of armed conflict and economic hardship are most acutely shaping the future of entire generations. As a result of the conflict, many of the children face challenges such as separation from their families, while others find community with armed actors and, as a result, are recruited and used as children.

South Sudan, on the other hand, is one of the youngest countries in East Africa. With its capital city in Juba, the country is home to many ethnic groups, languages and rich cultural traditions. Many of the children in South Sudan have great dreams. Some want to become teachers, nurses, doctors, and pilots. They enjoy spending time with their families, going to school, and having their dreams come true just like children around the world.

However, unfortunately, South Sudan remains one of the world’s most fragile humanitarian contexts. Millions of children face daily threats to their survival and development: from violence, displacement and acute food insecurity to disease outbreaks and periodic flooding that repeatedly disrupts schools, health services, and livelihoods. Many children are affected by the six grave violations and, due to the prolonged conflicts, have been separated from their families and communities, making them more vulnerable to recruitment and use by armed groups.

Children in both countries have not experienced any life other than one where they consistently look over their shoulders and live in fear, wondering when the conflicts will cease. The long-term effects of being in conflict environments were expressed in their storytelling and narratives as they shared their lived experiences.

Save the Children is very keen on ensuring that children meaningfully participate, not only as survivors of violence but as rights-holders capable of contributing to society. Article 12 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) guarantees the participation of children. The same is also reflected in the African Charter on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACRWC), which provides for the right to child participation, principally, in Articles 4(2) and 7.

Save the Children meaningfully engaged with the children from Somalia and South Sudan through child-friendly and appropriate discussions. The consultations were conducted on site to gather their perspectives on the recruitment and use of children. Through Focus Group Discussions (FGDs) and other child-friendly approaches and methods, the team was able to assess the children’s knowledge of the Vancouver Principles and grave violations as well as discuss the barriers to preventing recruitment and use of children in Somalia and South Sudan.

The children shared their experiences, concerns, and recommendations. They focused on practical realities and everyday experiences of conflict and protection.

Source: https://reliefweb.int/report/world/preventing-recruitment-and-use-children-analysis-barriers-implementing-vancouver-principles-south-sudan-and-somalia