Bonifacio Taban Kuich
14 December 2011
Bentiu — Child labour is an increasing in South Sudan according to Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare in Unity state due to displacement from conflict and as their parents are not able to provide for them.
In Rubkotna and Bentiu, the capital of Unity state, over 100 children push loaded wheelbarrows, polish shoes and perform other menial tasks to support themselves or their parents.
Stephen Yien Kot, 15, said he was working mending shoes to pay for his school fees and to feed and clothe himself. He says on a good day can make up to 30 South Sudanese Pounds ($12).
“When we are working here it does not mean that we don’t have parent, but our parent are still alive, it’s because we don’t want to sit idle at home, our present working in the market is to get some cash for our own use, our parent may also help in family expenses, but we need to work and get money so us to buy clothes for ourselves that is why we are here today”, said Kot.
Unity state government officials say the increase in street children and child labour is due to insecurity caused by the rebel South Sudan Libertation Army (SSLA), which has recently attacked Mayom, Rubkotna and Abiemhnom counties causing displacement.
Mathak Matiok director general for the state Ministry of Gender and Child Welfare of Unity State says he plans to make an assessment on both street children and child labour practices next year.
This will involve identifying and registering the children as well as finding the root causes of the issue.
He said his ministry will continue to work to re-unite street children with their parents if they are alive and will build centres for orphans in partnership with civil society groups.
However, many children are forced to work by their parents or have to work in order to feed themselves. Stephen Yien Thot says that he still attends school when he can, but some children are forced to work all year round.
Some parents have told Sudan Tribune that the state government must do more the address the problem.
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