The African Committee of Experts on the Rights
and Welfare of the Child (ACERWC) would like to inform the media and the general
public, that an advocacy mission to assess the situation of children affected by the
conflict in South Sudan will be undertaken from 03 - 09 August, 2014, in the Republic
of South Sudan, in accordance to its mandate to promote and protect the rights of
children pursuant to the African Charter on the Rights and welfare of the Child
(ACRWC).

Following the resolution adopted during its 23rd Ordinary Session (09-16April,
2014), the Committee expressed its concerns on the humanitarian challenges
hindering the protection and well-being of children in the Republic of South Sudan.
Moreover, the Committee commended the efforts of the Government of South
Sudan, the African Union, the United Nations Agencies and International and Non-
Governmental Organizations in seeking peaceful resolutions to the conflicts and in
providing humanitarian assistance to the children in particular.

The main objective of this Mission is to advocate for improved protection and
response to children affected by the armed conflict in South Sudan. Particularly, the
Committee will assess the impact of armed conflict on children in South Sudan and
determine key capacity and resource gaps for the prevention and response for
children affected by the conflict. The mission is undertaken in collaboration with the
AU Liaison Office in South Sudan, African Union Peace and Security Department
(AUPSD), the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), UNICEF, UNHCR,
Save the Children and National Child Rights Coalition.
High level meetings with government officials from the relevant ministries and
consultation with the national Human Rights Commission and Civil Society
Organizations working on children rights issues will be held during the mission. An
assessment of the impact of the conflict on children will be conducted in the cities of
Juba, Bor and Benitu.
A Press Conference on the unfolding of the mission will be held on 09 August
2014, 11:00 AM at the Juba Grand Hotel. Media advisory to cover the Press
Conference will be sent to Media on due time. A report on the outcome of the
mission will be presented after the mission.