Children in Somalia and South Sudan Face Recruitment and Use by Armed Groups

Millions of children in Somalia and South Sudan are vulnerable to recruitment and use by armed groups due to ongoing conflicts and fragile humanitarian contexts. Despite their dreams of becoming teachers, engineers, doctors, and more, children in these countries face daily threats to their survival and development. Save the Children has conducted consultations with children in both countries to gather their perspectives on the issue. Through child-friendly discussions, the children shared their experiences, concerns, and recommendations, highlighting the practical realities and everyday experiences of conflict and protection. The Vancouver Principles, which aim to prevent the recruitment and use of children, are not yet fully implemented in these countries, and Save the Children is working to ensure that children meaningfully participate in society as rights-holders, not just survivors of violence.