The United Nations has called for release of an estimated 500 child soldiers who are still associated with the Cobra Faction.

The faction led by David Yau Yau has released nearly 1,500 children since January this year.

The head of UNMISS, Ellen Magrethe Loj, says she is encouraged by the re-unification of the children with their families.

“I am very encouraged by the success achieved by UNICEF and partners thus far in helping to obtain the release of these children, about a third of whom are 13 years old or younger,” she said in a statement. “But our work has only just begun.”

Ms Loj added that the children should be given access to education, health services and protection from any future attempt to recruit them in the military.

“In conjunction with local authorities, we must ensure that these children have access to educational and health facilities and are protected from any future attempt to enlist them again in any military organization.”

Mr Ellen says the remaining children should also be given chance to education and health services.

The UN estimates that 13,000 children are associated with various armed groups in the country.