UNICEF expresses 'deep concern' over escalating child abductions in Mozambique

By Ilayda Cakirtekin

ISTANBUL (AA) – UNICEF on Monday expressed “deep concern” over a recent uptick in child abduction cases by non-state armed groups in northern Mozambique.

Seven boys were abducted by such groups on Jan. 23 in the country's Cabo Delgado province, according to the UN agency.

“UNICEF calls for the immediate release and handover to civil authorities of the abducted children, and for an immediate cessation of the abduction, recruitment and use of children, all of which constitute grave violations of children's rights,” said a UNICEF statement.

In response to the growing number of abductions forcing children to take on both combat and non-combat roles, UNICEF said that they are strengthening child protection initiatives in affected areas to prevent recruitment and exploitation.

“Additional support is urgently needed for these critical yet underfunded efforts,” it noted.

The Southern African country has also been experiencing violent protests since October, when Daniel Chapo was declared Mozambique's president with 71% of the vote, defeating main opposition leader Venancio Mondlane, who got 20%.

The protests have continued even after Chapo was sworn in on Jan. 15.

The death toll from the protests has increased to 323, also including eight in demonstrations after Jan. 22, according to Plataforma Decide, an election monitoring group.

The group warned that the number could rise further.