General Chol Thon, the Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs - Photo Credit: Office of the President - April 20, 2023

The Minister of defence and Veteran Affairs, Chol Thon Balok, has vowed zero tolerance for violations against children.

The pledge came after the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration (DDR) Commission announced the release of 49 children from military training centres across the country.

“As Minister of Defence and Veteran Affairs, I reaffirm the commitment of South Sudan People’s defence Forces, SSPDF, ensuring that our security forces uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for children’s rights,” he said, speaking during a three-day National Conference on Child Protection in Juba.

Balok said anyone found recruiting, killing, abducting or committing any other grave violations against children will be held fully accountable in accordance with the laws of South Sudan.

He reaffirmed that the South Sudan People’s defence Forces (SSPDF) will uphold the highest standards of professionalism, discipline and respect for children’s rights.

“Let me be clear, there will be no tolerance for violations against children. Anyone responsible for including, using, abducting, killing, maiming or committing any grave violation against children will be investigated and persecuted and punished in accordance with the laws of the Republic of South Sudan. No one is above the law,” he stressed.

Balok stressed that no one is above the law.

Balok further said every commander has the responsibility to ensure that children are not involved in armed conflict.

He also called for the full implementation of the Comprehensive Action Plan on the Protection of Children.