South Sudan Crisis and Children Rights Protection~ A Case Study of Jonglei State

Table of contents

Declaration

Approval Hi

Dedication

Acknowledgement v

Table of contents vi

Abstract ix

CHAPTER ONE

INTRODUCTION TO THE STUDY

1.0 Introduction

1.1 Background of the Study 2

1.2 Statement of the Problem 6

1.3 Purpose of the Study 7

1.4 Objectives of the Stuc 7

1.5 Research Questions 7

1.6 Scope of the Study 8

1.6.1. Geographical Scope 8

1.6.2. Content Scope 8

1.6.3. Time Scope 8

1.7 Significance of the Study 8

1.8 Conceptual framework

CHAPTER TWO 10

LITERATURE REVIEW 10

2.0 Introduction 10

2.1 Factors contributing to children rights violations 10

2.2 Mechanisms/methods used to protect children rights in war tone countries 15

vi

2.3 Challenges affecting international organizations in protecting of children rights 16

CHAPTER THREE 18

METHODOLOGY IS

3.0 Introduction IS

3.1 Research Design 18

3.2 Study Population 18

3.3 Sampling techniques 18

3.4 Sampling size 19

3.5 Research procedure 19

3.6 Research instruments 19

3.6.1 Interview 19

3.6.2 Questionnaire 19

3.7 Sources of data 20

3.7.1 Primary Data 20

3.7.1 Secondary data 20

3.8 Data Analysis 20

3.9 Validity and reliability of the instruments 20

3.10 Ethical Considerations 21

CHAPTER FOUR 22

DATA ANALYSIS, PRESENTATION AND INTERPRETATION 22

4. 0 Introduction 22

4.1 Demographic data 22

4.1.1 Gender composition of the respondents 22

4.1.2 Age composition of ‘spondenti 23

4.1.3 Marital status of the respondents 24

4.1.4 Highest Level of education of respondents 24

VII

4.2 Child abuse as violation of children’s rights in Juba 26

4. 2 Forms of child abuse in IDP Camps 31

4. 3 Causes of child abuse 37

4. 4 Effects of child abuse 39

4. 5 Challenges while dealing with child abuse cases 40

CHAPTER FIVE 42

SUMMARY, CONCLUSION AND RECOMMENDATIONS 42

5.0 Introduction 42

5.1 Summary 42

5.2 Conclusions 43

6.3 Recommendations 44

References 47

Abstract This research project studies the phenomenon of children rights in South Sudan with a vic~ of understanding the emergence of this phenomenon, the actors perpetrating the existence of child soldiers, and solutions towards ending the phenomenon. Many treaties have been signed and ratified by states with regards to children’s rights. There are international treaties and regional treaties but children’s rights are still violated. The number of children participating in armed conflict is on the increase in the world. This research seeks to understand why this phenomenon still goes on and examines the international legal standards iii place. the adequacy of the standards and possible remedies to improve the situation of child soldiers. Three main issues are discussed in the research paper. The issue of age is very important in relation to when persons can take pail in armed conflict. The research argues that a universally aclcnowledge ~ge should be used to describe the child. The second issue is the response of the international community towards the legal standards. It has been noted that people violate set standards because they can. This research attempts to assess the truth behind the behavior of the international community towards the phenomenon of child soldiers. Monitoring and implementation is discussed as an important aspect of international legal procedures. Analysis and criticism are made of a selection of international organizations and Non-governmental organizations with the view to understanding the role of advocates in the campaign for children’s rights. The role of the community is examined in this research project and arguments based on the social constructivist theory that argues amongst other things that ideas, norn1s and culture affect the structure of the society are used. Suggestions and recommendations are given, if not to malce a change, hopefully to add emphasis on the fact that the international ~mmunity needs to change the way it views child soldiers and the society needs to be more involved in issues pertaining to child soldiers.