The Recruitment and Use of Child Soldiers in Sudan: A Humanitarian Crisis

The recruitment of child soldiers in Sudan amid ongoing conflict has led to severe humanitarian and child protection crises. Reports highlight the targeting of vulnerable children by armed forces, with significant implications for their well-being. Despite international legal frameworks aimed at prohibiting child soldier recruitment, violations continue. Genocide Watch urges action to safeguard children in these crises and implement reintegration programs.

The conflict between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF), which began in April 2023, has resulted in over 60,000 deaths and displaced millions. More than 30 million individuals in Sudan now require humanitarian assistance due to the destructive impact of this power struggle.

This conflict has also precipitated a grave child protection crisis, exposing over 10 million children to violent acts, with many witnessing the deaths of family members and the devastation of their homes. Reports indicate over 200 children have endured sexual violence, while the ongoing humanitarian plight increases their susceptibility to recruitment by conflicting factions and criminal groups.

A child soldier is defined as anyone under the age of 18 recruited by any armed group to participate in conflict. Both the RSF and SAF actively recruit children, with disturbing evidence of child soldiers surfacing on social media platforms. According to Siobhán Mullaly, the UN Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, RSF notably targets vulnerable children from poorer backgrounds, and there have been reports of over 600 RSF child soldiers suffering casualties during combat in Khartoum.

The reasons for child recruitment in Sudan are multifaceted. Many children are coerced into joining armed forces, while others do so to escape extreme poverty, often at the behest of their families. Some local leaders facilitate this recruitment, driven by traditions that endorse mobilization of children in combat roles. New RSF recruits are often promised stolen food and aid, a practice condemned as forced labor by international legal standards.

The impact of using child soldiers is devastating, leaving them with severe physical and psychological trauma. Their experiences can lead to significant emotional distress, substance abuse issues, and a range of behavioral problems, complicating their reintegration into society. International treaties categorize the recruitment of children in armed conflict as a serious violation of human rights.

Despite existing laws designed to protect children, including Sudan’s Child Act of 2010 and commitments under various international treaties, the Sudanese government and armed factions continue to commit grave violations, employing children in combat roles. In light of these violations, Genocide Watch has called for immediate international action.

The situation regarding child soldiers in Sudan is dire, with both the RSF and SAF violating international laws and local statutes to recruit children into their ranks. Immediate intervention and support from the international community are essential to protect these vulnerable individuals and assist in their rehabilitation. Establishing comprehensive support systems and addressing the drivers of recruitment are critical steps toward stemming this ongoing crisis.

Original Source: www.genocidewatch.com