The conflict in South Sudan is severely impacting children across the country, who are losing their lives, facing hunger, displacement, lack of access to health and education services, and increased risk of recruitment by armed groups.
The Child Protection Unit monitors, verifies and provides accurate, timely, objective, and reliable reports on the six grave violations perpetrated against children: recruitment and use of children by armed groups; killing or maiming; rape or other sexual violence; attacks on schools or hospitals; abduction; and denial of humanitarian access.
The Unit also engages and advocates with the state and non-state parties to the conflict to end and prevent these violations and supports the development of implementation of legal frameworks holding perpetrators accountable as well as action plans to stop and prevent violations by parties to conflict in South Sudan.
CPU promotes the institutionalization of child protection within organized and other forces in accordance with the Revitalized Peace Agreement, including the establishment of specialized protection units and appointment of dedicated child protection officers. It also helps strengthen the capacity of parties to the conflict and communities to protect children, including local leaders, youth, women and civil society.
CPU leads efforts to mainstreams child protection concerns across UNMISS, in conjunction with other components.