Journalists in South Sudan Urged to Expose Child Recruitment in Armed Conflict

Journalists for Human Rights, a Canadian non-profit organisation, has called on South Sudanese journalists to strengthen their reporting on violations against children in armed conflict. The organisation's director of African programmes, Mustapha Dumbuya, made the appeal during a five-day training for over 25 journalists in Juba, which was organised jointly with the Dallaire Institute. The training aimed to equip journalists with the skills to report on efforts to prevent child recruitment in armed conflict.

Dumbuya emphasised the crucial role of journalism in exposing human rights violations and promoting accountability. He urged participants to apply the knowledge and skills gained during the training in their daily reporting. According to Dumbuya, journalists have a job to expose violations and hold perpetrators accountable through their work. This call to action comes as a significant effort to address the issue of child recruitment in armed conflict in South Sudan.

Mary Ajith, JHR's country lead in South Sudan, highlighted the importance of protecting children from recruitment into armed groups. She noted that this protection is essential to safeguarding their rights, including access to education and other basic services. Ajith criticised the notion that being recruited into armed conflict at a young age is a source of pride, saying it is a human rights concern.

Ajith further emphasised that the recruitment and use of children in armed conflict should be treated as a human rights violation rather than celebrated. She drew a contrast between the past and present, stating that while it may have been seen as a pride in the liberation struggle, it is no longer acceptable in the 21st century. This perspective underscores the need for a shift in societal attitudes towards child recruitment.

The five-day training was the second cohort under the partnership's programme aimed at strengthening journalists' capacity to report on efforts to prevent child recruitment in armed conflict. The training brought together over 25 journalists who were equipped with skills to report on this critical issue. This initiative demonstrates a collaborative effort to address the issue through journalism.

The issue of child recruitment in armed conflict is a significant concern in South Sudan. Journalists play a vital role in bringing attention to this issue and promoting accountability. By strengthening their reporting on this issue, journalists can contribute to the protection of children's rights and the prevention of child recruitment.

The partnership between Journalists for Human Rights and the Dallaire Institute aims to support journalists in South Sudan in reporting on human rights issues, including child recruitment in armed conflict. This collaboration seeks to promote a culture of accountability and respect for human rights in the country. Key initiatives include providing training and support to journalists to enhance their reporting on these critical issues.

Key points

• Journalists for Human Rights urges South Sudanese journalists to report on child recruitment in armed conflict.
• The organisation provided training for over 25 journalists in Juba to strengthen their reporting on this issue.
• The recruitment and use of children in armed conflict should be treated as a human rights violation.