DARFUR CHILD DDR PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION PRECENTAGE 51.3%
1000
911
900
800
792
North Darfur
700
South Darfur
612
600
West Darfur
535
500
472
400
300
250
234
177
200
142
147
75
100
53
0
9
2
0
Target children
Released children
ongoing release
Unqualified
JEM children
The DDR Program faces some difficulties, including the heavy financial demand,
continuation of armed conflicts in Darfur and the fragile infrastructures in the targeted
communities. These difficulties hinder the reintegration activities of children in their
communities. As a result of this some movements succeeded in re-conscripting former
child soldiers.
Children of Justice and Equality Movement (JEM):
In the attack launched by JEM on Omdurman in May 2008 the Armed Forces arrested a
number of JEM forces. There were children (below 18) among these prisoners. A higher
committee comprising representatives from the ministries of Defense, Justice and the
Interior, the ACHR and HAC was formed to deal with the issue of these child soldier
prisoners. The children were separated from adult prisoners in a separate building where
health, education and social services were provided for them in addition to psychosocial
support according to international standards in dealing with similar situations.
The NCCW, in collaboration with the Red Cross and UNICEF, announced that these
children were victims themselves and therefore are not accused and will not be tried or
threatened with trial.
National and international media, national and international NGOs and popular
organizations visited the children and witnessed the services rendered to them, including
shelter and health, educational and recreational services in addition to psychosocial
support according to international standards in dealing with similar situations.
Efforts culminated in issuance of Presidential Pardon in respect of children who took part
in the attack against Omdurman. All of them were reunited with their families and
communities in liaison with the Red Cross (see table 11).
56