Stakeholders from across South Sudan have urged the government to take concrete steps toward the full implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan to End and Prevent Grave Violations Against Children Affected by Armed Conflict, calling for stronger political will, funding, and accountability.
The call was made at the conclusion of a two-day participatory workshop held at the Imperial Hotel in Juba from October 22 to 23, under the theme “Fostering the Roles of Stakeholders in Protection of Children Affected by Armed Conflict.”
The workshop brought together representatives from the Transitional National Legislative Assembly, civil society organizations, faith-based groups, media, youth and women’s groups, persons with disabilities, academia, and the chamber of commerce.
The gathering aimed to build consensus on the collective role of stakeholders in ensuring that children impacted by war are protected and reintegrated into society.
In a joint communiqué issued at the end of the meeting, participants reaffirmed that the protection of children associated with conflict is critical to achieving a peaceful, inclusive, and prosperous South Sudan.
They applauded the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) for adopting the national action plan but emphasized that commitments must now translate into tangible implementation on the ground.
“The time has come for South Sudanese to undertake concrete actions and commitments on the implementation of the national comprehensive action plan on protection of children affected by armed conflict,” the communiqué stated.
The stakeholders called on political leaders, lawmakers, and relevant ministries to ensure: the immediate release of all children trapped in armed forces and groups, saying their freedom marks the first step toward rebuilding broken lives and communities.
They urged the government to invest in rehabilitation, education, and psychosocial programs that help children reclaim their future.
They further pressed for budgetary commitments, effective oversight, and transparent implementation of the national action plan, emphasizing that every delay in action prolongs the suffering of children who have already endured the trauma of war.
The communiqué also urged the government and partners to create innovative funding solutions to sustain long-term protection and rehabilitation programs for children affected by armed conflict.
Participants underscored that child protection is not only a humanitarian issue but also a cornerstone of national peacebuilding. They pledged to continue working collaboratively to promote the rights, safety, and dignity of children across South Sudan.
The joint communiqué was endorsed on October 23, 2025, by representatives of all participating institutions and stakeholder groups.
