El Fasher, 28 November 2014 – As part of its Darfur-wide campaign geared to prevent the recruitment of children as soldiers, on 26 November 2014, the African Union-United Nations Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) reached out to Masteriha community, North Darfur, in an event attended by more than 1,000 men, women and school children.

During the event, the pupils of the Masteriha mixed school performed songs pertinent to the occasion as a show of solidarity with issues related to the protection of children. UNAMID, which was accompanied by members of the Sudan Disarmament, Demobilization and Reintegration Commission and UNICEF, distributed caps, scarves, T-shirts and vests with messages promoting peace in Darfur, the protection of children and against the use of child soldiers.

“We believe that with your continued support, child protection is in progress,” remarked Boubacar Dieng, Head of UNAMID's Children Protection Unit, in his speech at the event. “The protection of children will not be complete without peace in Darfur,” he said.

Tribal leader Sheikh Musa Hilal appreciated the launching of the campaign in the area and reiterated the Command Order he issued on 26 July 2013 prohibiting communities under his leadership to use children in tribal clashes. He also reiterated his commitment to a Community-based Strategic Plan against child soldiering initiated by him on 6 October 2014, which was endorsed by leaders from the Beni Hussein, Tamma, Fur, Gimir and Awlad Janoub tribes. 

Sheikh Hilal outlined that he has been working on social reconciliations at the grassroots level in order to create tribal harmony. “When it comes to peaceful coexistence, we have had a number of conferences in different areas for the sake of stability and security in Darfur, ″ he said. Additionally, he called on the humanitarian community, UNAMID and the UN agencies to engage in further activities in the field of development in the region.

The Head of UNAMID Sector North, Mr. Mohamed El-Amine Souef, emphasized that the Mission′s mandate is focused on protecting civilians, facilitating the delivery of humanitarian assistance and contributing to peace and reconciliation efforts.

“Children are the backbone of society and we want them to be educated instead of being recruited,” said Mohamed Izzat, the Secretary General of the Reziegat Council, calling for the provision of health, education and water services for nomadic communities.

On behalf of the youth in Masteriha, Ramadan Ahmed Bakheit, condemned all forms of recruitment and use of child soldiers and highlighted the role of youth in promoting peaceful coexistence. “Despite the scarcity of resources, we have been making a positive impact in the community through the launch of sports events and symposiums to enhance local awareness about common issues,” said Mr. Bakheit.

Ms. Amira Mohammed, a representative of women groups, drew attention to the concerns and problems faced by women and girls. She said that women suffer from early marriages and problems related to reproductive health. “Women need to be empowered through access to livelihood activities, education and literacy classes,″ she remarked.