Public Statement by Chair of Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict

The Security Council Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict, in connection with the examination of the fourth report of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict in South Sudan (S/2023/99), agreed to convey the following messages through a public statement by the Chair of the Working Group:

To all parties to armed conflict in South Sudan, including the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army-in-Opposition – pro-Machar:

• Strongly condemning all violations and abuses that continue to be committed against children in South Sudan, including violations of international humanitarian law; expressing grave concern at the disproportionate negative impact of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic on children; urging all parties to the conflict immediately to end and prevent all abuses and violations of applicable international law involving the recruitment and use of children, abduction, killing and maiming, rape and other forms of sexual violence, attacks on schools and hospitals, and denial of humanitarian access, and to fully comply with all their obligations under international law; while noting the decrease in the overall number of violations verified since the previous report;
• Calling upon all parties to continue prioritising the implementation of the previous conclusions of the Working Group on Children and Armed Conflict in South Sudan (S/AC.51/2021/1);
• Stressing that the best interests of the child should be a primary consideration, and that the specific needs and vulnerabilities of girls and boys, including those with disabilities, should be duly considered when planning and carrying out actions concerning children in situations of armed conflict;