The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has raised the red flag about the alarming increase in the abduction of minors by jihadist groups in northern Mozambique.
In a statement, UNICEF expressed deep concern over the kidnapping of seven minors by armed groups in the Mocímboa da Praia district of Cabo Delgado province.
These minors are being forcibly recruited as child soldiers, a grave violation of children’s rights.
“The kidnapping took place on 23 January. These kidnapped minors are forced to carry out combat and non-combat actions, which puts in danger their safety and well-being,” the statement read.
UNICEF called for the immediate release of these minors, urging that they be allowed to rejoin civilian life.
The use of child soldiers not only endangers the lives of these young individuals but also has long-term detrimental effects on their physical and psychological well-being.
UNICEF called urgent international support and intervention to address this critical issue and ensure the protection of children in conflict zones.
The Islamist terrorists have been carrying out extreme violence against the local population in Cabo Delgado since October 2017.
JN/APA