Both the government Sudan People’s Liberation Army (the SPLA) and the rebel Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition have fought with children. The report from Human Rights Watch is based on interviews from both 2014 and 2015, with 101 children associated with armed forces and groups from Dinka, Nuer and Shilluk tribes, mostly from the three states of Unity, Jonglei and Upper Nile.
Among children’s rights, the right to live in a violent-free environment is essential and was discussed at the 28th session of the Human Rights Council, on 11 March 2015. The Special Representative of the Secretary-General on violence against children, Ms. Marta Santos Pais, and the Special Representative of the Secretary-General on children and armed conflict, Ms.