The Sudanese Teachers’ Committee condemned a statement by the Minister of Education regarding the exemption of children of the so-called “Battle of Dignity” martyrs, as well as students who took part in it, from school fees. The committee described the statement as a dangerous precedent and a direct violation of child rights, as well as national and international laws to which Sudan is committed.
In its statement, the committee said: “Referring to fee exemptions for students who participated in a military battle is an official and serious acknowledgment of the involvement of underage children in armed conflict.”
The statement added that such conduct constitutes a war crime and a blatant violation of Article (38) of the Convention on the Rights of the Child, which prohibits the recruitment or use of children in armed conflicts under any circumstances.
The Teachers’ Committee considered the minister’s statement a clear indictment of both the minister and, behind him, the Prime Minister, stressing that they must be held accountable before public opinion and the competent judicial authorities.
-
-
-
-
