Catholic Bishop calls for end to child recruitment on Red Hand Day

YAMBIO — A Catholic bishop in Western Equatoria State on Friday called for an immediate end to the recruitment of children into armed groups, describing the practice as morally unacceptable and a serious violation of children’s rights as the world marked International Red Hand Day.

Speaking during a celebration marking Red Hand Day in Yambio on Friday, Eduardo Hiiboro Kussala, Bishop of Yambio Diocese, urged all armed actors to commit to protecting children from involvement in conflict.

“The recruitment of children into armed forces deprives them of their future and undermines the moral foundation of society,” Bishop Eduardo said.

The day is commemorated on 12 February each year and is also called Red Hand Day—a global observance dedicated to ending the use of child soldiers.

Bishop Eduardo used the occasion to denounce the continued exploitation of minors in conflict and call for renewed national commitment to child protection.

He said child recruitment is not only a violation of international law but also a profound moral failure that threatens the country’s social fabric.

He emphasized that his position is grounded in respect for the dignity of the human person, stating that human life—from the womb to the tomb—is sacred and must be protected at all stages.

“Every nation, like every family, seeks the best for its children and cannot prosper while sacrificing its young generation to war.”

He stressed that national development depends on raising healthy, educated, and responsible citizens, warning that involving children in conflict destroys the foundations of peace and progress.

Bishop argued that peace and effective governance are essential to protecting children.

“The conflict disrupts education, safety, and development long before recruitment occurs, describing peace as the first and most urgent safeguard against exploitation,” he said.

He further warned that legal frameworks alone cannot protect children in the absence of stability and authority, urging collective responsibility among government institutions, the military, civil society, and faith-based organizations.

“Child protection is a shared responsibility requiring sustained commitment across society.”

He reaffirmed the Catholic Church’s investment in education—from kindergarten to university—as a safeguard against exploitation.

“Education equips children with the tools needed to build a peaceful and prosperous nation.”

He urged participants not to treat Red Hand Day as a symbolic annual observance but as a continuous commitment, reminding them that children are born every day and must be protected every day.

“We call on stakeholders to translate resolutions into concrete action that improves the lives of vulnerable children across the country.”

Thousands of children, mostly boys, have been recruited and used as soldiers by the armed forces and groups since February 2021.

In January 2023, World Vision’s project in Western Equatoria identified 12 children, 5 girls and 7 boys, associated with armed forces and groups, and they are among 765 children currently receiving psychosocial support.