We Support Reintegration Of 9,000 Children Released From Armed Groups

February 20, (THEWILL) – United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), said since 2017 it has supported the social and economic reintegration of more than 9,000 children released from armed groups in Nigeria.

UNICEF Chief of Borno State Field Office, Phuong T. Nguyen, called during an event to commemorate the 2024 International Day Against the Use of Child Soldiers also known as the Red Hands Day, held in Maiduguri, on Tuesday.

She called for support towards children associated with armed groups in the North East region of Nigeria.

“Immediate efforts must be made to sustainably support the disengagement process of children from armed fighting and create a conducive environment upon their return.

“We have supported 9,000 children released by armed groups in Nigeria.

“I commend both the Government of Nigeria and the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), for the constructive role that they have played in the implementation of the 2017 action plan to end and prevent the recruitment and use of children by the CJTF.

Ms Nguyen said the day is set aside to show concern for the safety and security of vulnerable children in northeast Nigeria.

She said,” It is a huge day not just for girls and boys affected by conflict, it is an opportunity for all of us child protection actors to speak with one voice against the recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups.

“It is a bold statement that we are united and concerned for the safety and security of vulnerable children in northeast Nigeria.

“The recruitment and use of children by armed forces and armed groups remains one of the most prevalent grave violations against children during armed conflict.

“The actions of various armed groups have created a role for the demand and recruitment of child soldiers”, Phuong said.

According to her, In 2023, the Country Task Force on Monitoring and Reporting (CTFMR), verified the recruitment and use of 685 children (63% girls), against the recruitment and use of 136 children verified by the CTFMR in 2022.