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Sudan
Abandoned children in Southern Sudan are children who have been left by their mothers or fathers after losing one partner in the 20-year civil war which has claimed the lives of many innocent people. In western countries and some countries in Africa such children are known as “homeless or street children” because they run away from home or are thrown out by their parents to beg on the streets. In Southern Sudan it’s different because these children are victims of the war and struggling with the trauma of living without parents from their early years. They live under trees and in destroyed buildings such as churches or school compounds where they are exposed to all sorts of abuse. Most of these children joined the army as child soldiers. They had no option but to be in the armed forces and carry guns which they used to terrorise people for food and money.
On a short visit to Southern Sudan in July 2003, I saw these youngsters who are the future leaders of our nation wasting time in shopping centres. Some former child soldiers have been saved from combatant life and re-united with their families by humanitarian organisations like UNICEF but they are finding it difficult to live with their families where their movements are monitored. I was told they can be aggressive and arrogant towards their families. If centres were there to rehabilitate these children, they might have a bright future and be useful people to their country instead of roaming around in gangs.
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