Child recruitment is inherently wrong, Bishop Hiiboro cautions armed groups

The Catholic Bishop of Tombura–Yambio Diocese, His Lordship Barani Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, has issued a firm warning against the recruitment of children into armed forces, describing the practice as “inherently wrong” and a direct assault on the future of South Sudan.

Speaking during the commemoration of International Red Hand Day at the Women Empowerment Centre in Yambio, the Bishop used the global platform dedicated to ending the use of child soldiers—to condemn the continued exploitation of minors in conflict situations and to call for renewed national commitment to child protection.

“As we commemorate International Red Hand Day, observed globally to end the recruitment of child soldiers, I fully align myself with this mission, the recruitment of children into armed forces is inherently wrong. It deprives them of their future and undermines the moral foundation of society,” Bishop Hiiboro said.

The event was attended by the Acting Governor of Western Equatoria State, government officials, and members of the military, traditional leaders, civil society organizations, and religious representatives signaling a rare moment of cross-sector unity around child protection.

In his address, Bishop Hiiboro framed child recruitment not only as a violation of international law but as a profound moral failure that threatens the social fabric of the country.

“My conviction is rooted in the dignity of the human person from the womb to the tomb. Human life is sacred and must be protected at every stage,” he said.

South Sudan has struggled with child recruitment since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, with multiple children reportedly drawn into armed groups over the years. While progress has been made through disarmament and reintegration programs, child protection advocates warn that insecurity and localized violence continue to expose children to recruitment risks.

The Bishop stressed that every nation, like every family, desires the best for its children and that no country can thrive while sacrificing its young generation to war.

“A country thrives when it raises healthy, educated, and responsible citizens. When children are taken into armed conflict, we are destroying the very foundation upon which peace and development must stand,” he said.

Beyond condemning recruitment, Bishop Hiiboro linked the issue directly to the broader challenge of insecurity in South Sudan. He argued that without peace and effective governance, children will remain vulnerable long before formal recruitment takes place.

“Without peace, children become the first victims, war disrupts their education, their safety, and their development even before recruitment occurs. Peace is our first and most urgent requirement,” he warned.

He emphasized that even the strongest legal frameworks cannot shield children if insecurity persists.

“Without peace and effective authority, even the best laws cannot protect our children,” he said.

The Bishop called on all sectors of society including government institutions, the military, civil society, and faith-based organizations to take collective responsibility in safeguarding children.

“I am encouraged to see government representatives, traditional leaders, the military, civil society, and the Church gathered here, together, we can make meaningful progress,” he said.

He cautioned that child protection extends beyond preventing military recruitment, noting that exploitation, neglect, and lack of access to education also undermine children’s development.

“Child protection is not the responsibility of one sector alone. It is a shared duty,” he stated.

As part of a long-term solution, Bishop Hiiboro reaffirmed the Church’s commitment to investing in education from kindergarten to university as a safeguard against child exploitation.

“That is why we invest in schools, the future of our country depends on educated and well-formed children,” he said.

He urged participants not to treat Red Hand Day as a symbolic observance, but a continuous commitment.

“Children are born every day.  Therefore, child protection must be continuous. Let us translate our resolutions into action,” he said.

As South Sudan continues its journey toward full stability, the Bishop’s remarks delivered a clear and uncompromising message: the recruitment of children into armed conflict is morally indefensible and nationally destructive.

“Let us protect our children and provide them with the tools they need books, pens, education, and above all, peace,” he concluded.

For many in attendance, the message was not merely ceremonial it was a direct appeal to conscience, aimed at ensuring that South Sudan’s future is shaped not by guns in the hands of children, but by classrooms filled with hope.