This entry is by Kate Davey, our Director of Research Projects at Child Soldier Relief.

On April 9, Southern Sudan President Salva Kirr introduced the Child Act, which guarantees certain safeguards to children.

The Act recognizes anyone under 18 as a child and requires the Government to ensure the rights established in the Convention on the Rights of the Child to children in Southern Sudan.

Some of the highlights of the Act include that children cannot be recruited “by armed forces and groups” and forbids the use of torture or cruel treatment against children. As UNICEF reports, the Act also requires that anyone “who suspects a child’s rights have been violated or are at risk must report the case to local authorities.”

In addition, the Act also establishes an independent Children’s Commission, which UNICEF explains, “must investigate reported violations and make recommendations on how to promote childrens’ rights.”