African Union to assess situation of children in South Sudan

An African Union (A.U.) panel will arrive in South Sudan next week to assess the situation of children in the conflict-ravaged country.

In a press release, the A.U. said the Committee of Experts on the Rights and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) will be in South Sudan from 3-9 August to assess "the situation of children affected by the conflict in South Sudan".

"The main objective of this Mission is to advocate for improved protection and response to children affected by the armed conflict in South Sudan," the press release said.

It said the panel "will assess the impact of armed conflict on children in South Sudan and determine key capacity and resource gaps for the prevention and response for children affected by the conflict."

According to the statement, the panel will hold meetings with government officials, the national Human Rights Commission and civil society organizations working on children rights issues.

"The Committee expressed its concerns on the humanitarian challenges hindering the protection and well-being of children in the Republic of South Sudan,” it said.

The mission is undertaken in collaboration with the AU Liaison Office in South Sudan, African Union Peace and Security Department (AUPSD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), UNICEF, UNHCR, Save the Children and National Child Rights Coalition.

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