South Sudan’s Minister of Defence and Veterans Affairs Gen. Chol Thon Balok has reaffirmed the government’s commitment to ending the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups, saying no commander will be allowed to involve children in conflict.
Speaking at the opening of the 20th National Conference on the implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan on Children and Armed Conflict in Juba, minister Balok stressed that protecting children remains a national priority and called for full accountability for anyone found violating the law.
“There is no one above the laws of the Republic of South Sudan,” the minister said. “Every commander has the responsibility to ensure that children are never involved in our country’s armed forces or armed groups.”
He urged military leaders and security institutions to uphold national and international commitments aimed at safeguarding children from recruitment, exploitation and other grave violations associated with armed conflict.
The minister also commended the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission for its continued efforts in supporting the release, rehabilitation and reintegration of children formerly associated with armed forces and armed groups.
He acknowledged the contributions of government ministries, development partners and humanitarian organizations working to implement South Sudan’s Comprehensive Action Plan.
Describing the plan as a key roadmap for protecting children affected by conflict, the minister called for renewed cooperation among government institutions, security agencies and partners to ensure its full implementation.
“As the Ministry of Defence and Veterans Affairs, I expect to see the full implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan,” he said.
“Our collective objective is clear to fulfil every commitment under the plan and ensure South Sudan is removed from the United Nations list of parties responsible for grave violations against children.”
He expressed confidence that sustained implementation of the action plan would enable the country to achieve that goal by the end of 2026.
The minister encouraged participants attending the three-day national conference to use the forum to develop practical, measurable and achievable resolutions that can be translated into concrete actions to strengthen child protection across the country.
“Let us work together to ensure that every child grows up in peace, dignity and safety,” he told delegates before officially declaring the conference open.
The conference has brought together representatives from government institutions, the security sector, the United Nations and child protection partners to review progress, address remaining challenges and strengthen efforts to end grave violations against children in situations of armed conflict.
