Yei youth empowered to monitor and report child recruitment cases

(YEI RIVER COUNTY)_Youth in Yei River County are now equipped with the skills and knowledge to help prevent the use of children in armed conflict, following a four-day training by the Dallaire Institute for Children, Peace and Security.

The training brought together young people from across the county to exchange ideas, strengthen advocacy skills, and learn practical ways to monitor and report cases of child recruitment.

A total of 30 participants from civil society organisations, including media houses, community leaders, and disability groups, took part in the training.

Speaking at the opening day, Country Director for Dallaire Institute, John Kon, urged participants to become active voices for children at risk, particularly those already caught up in armed groups or gang-related violence.

John emphasised that prevention starts within communities and noted that many young people are aware of children who have either joined armed groups in the bush or become involved in local gangs carrying weapons.

He said youth are not only witnesses to the recruitment of children, but are part of the solution, urging participants to report cases early wherever possible.

Meanwhile, Hillary John Konga, Executive Director of Yei River County, described the training as important in equipping young people to act as community ambassadors against child recruitment.

He urged participants to pass on the knowledge gained to their peers, adding that those who attended the training were representing youth across the county.

“This training is not just for you, it is for the entire community. You must take these messages back and help others understand the dangers,” Konga said.

He also pointed to a pattern in Yei River County and beyond, where youth are often the primary targets for recruitment by armed groups.

Child recruitment has been a recurring issue in South Sudan, especially during periods of conflict since the outbreak of civil war in 2013.

Thousands of children have been used by both government and opposition forces, serving as fighters, porters, messengers, or in other support roles, according to the United Nations Mission in South Sudan.

In areas like Yei River County, which has experienced cycles of insecurity and displacement, children have remained vulnerable.

Armed groups operating in and around the country have historically drawn recruits from local communities, often targeting adolescents.

The training by the Dallaire Institute focused on shifting that narrative by placing youth at the centre of prevention efforts.

Participants were equipped with tools to identify early warning signs of recruitment, document incidents, and engage their communities in dialogue on child protection.