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CHILDREN are paying the price of continued fighting in South Sudan as concerns grow over child soldiers, warns Plan International.
It is thought 12,000 children have been recruited by armed groups in the world’s newest state.
At least 89 boys were abducted from a school during exams in Upper Nile state last month.
Plan is calling for more support from donors to help children and young people avoid getting involved in the conflict.
“Continued fighting is exacerbating the already dire humanitarian conditions in the country and children are paying the price,” says Daniel Muchena, Plan’s Country Director in South Sudan.
“Donors must invest in livelihood programmes, such as skills training, so that youths are not susceptible to getting involved in the conflict.
“Those children that have been released from fighting need support to reduce the risk of them being recruited again,” he adds.
Meanwhile, hundreds of thousands of people are at risk of hunger as food stocks run out in the coming months.
Plan has helped nearly 280,000 people in South Sudan since January last year. Activities have included distributing food, nutritional supplements, seeds and fishing nets.
It has also built water and sanitation facilities, conducted hygiene promotion training, provided psychosocial support and set up spaces where children can learn and play safely.
Nearly 1,000 children are accessing Plan’s early childhood development centres in Awerial.
Plan is also building two temporary classrooms and latrines so that children no longer have to learn under the trees.
“It is vital that children are able to have somewhere safe where they can go to learn and acquire skills that enable them to build their resilience,” says Mr Muchena.
Despite peace talks, fighting has continued between government forces and opposition groups on Upper Nile and Unity states.
Hundreds of thousands of people have fled South Sudan to neighbouring countries, including Sudan and Ethiopia, where Plan is working to support the refugees.
For more information on Plan’s work or to make a donation call 0800 526 848 or visit www.plan-uk.org
