30/06/2026
Statement on the Opening Day of the 4th National Conference on Children in Armed Conflict
30 June 2026
June 30th to July 2nd, 2026 (Juba, South Sudan)
Distinguished Ministers, representatives of government institutions, development partners, civil society organizations, members of the diplomatic community, and fellow participants, On behalf of the Center for Peace and Advocacy (CPA), I am honored to present a summary of the proceedings of the opening day of the 4th National Conference on Children in Armed Conflict, taking place from 30 June to 2 July 2026.
The conference is organized by the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare and the National Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission (NDDRC), in collaboration with the Ministry of Defense and Veteran Affairs, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, and development partners including UNMISS, UNICEF, Save the Children International, the Dallaire Institute, and Nonviolent Peaceforce.
The objective of this conference is to assess the progress made in protecting children affected by armed conflict, strengthen coordination among key stakeholders, identify existing challenges, and develop practical recommendations to prevent grave violations against children while advancing their protection, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society.
During today's opening sessions, participants reflected on the current situation of children affected by conflict, reviewed national commitments and legal frameworks, and discussed the roles of government institutions, humanitarian agencies, civil society organizations, and local communities in ensuring the protection of children's rights.
The discussions emphasized the importance of sustained collaboration, accountability, and investment in child protection systems to address both immediate and long-term needs.
The key outcomes from today's deliberations include a shared commitment to strengthen inter-agency coordination, enhance implementation of national action plans, improve reporting and response mechanisms for violations against children, and promote community-based approaches to prevention and reintegration. Participants also reaffirmed the importance of partnerships in delivering effective protection services and ensuring that no child is left behind.
As the conference continues, participants are expected to actively contribute their expertise, share practical experiences, propose evidence-based recommendations, and engage constructively in discussions that will shape concrete actions and policy decisions.
It is anticipated that the conference will conclude with a strengthened national commitment, clear recommendations, and renewed partnerships aimed at safeguarding the rights, dignity, and future of every child affected by armed conflict.
The Center for Peace and Advocacy remains committed to supporting all efforts that promote peace, protect children, strengthen community resilience, and contribute to sustainable peace and development in South Sudan.
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