A child rights activist condemned the operation set by security forces to arrest street children in Torit, the capital of eastern Equatoria, saying it violates the rights of the children.
The acting Director for Child Welfare in Eastern Equatoria state ministry of Gender and Social Development, Oting Elizio, spoke out in defence of the street children saying they are not criminals, Radio Emmanuel reported.
He said he was surprised the police did not inform his office about the operation.
Mr. Oting questioned the operation, saying that the police officers do not have any experience in arresting children and they may have caused some harm to the kids due to inadequate arrangements for their welfare.
He questioned the police’s authority to arrest the street children without involving other partners who are concerned with the rights of the children including his directorate.
Mr. Oting promised to follow the issue of the arrested children with the security.
He called for the establishment of a special unity in the police services trained on juvenile justice to handle cases of children.
Over 100 street children were arrested in Torit main market on Wednesday by security officers claiming the youngsters were idle, gambling, playing pool and taking drugs.