University of Minnesota
Human Rights Program
hrp@umn.edu
612-626-7947


Human Rights Program's home page.

Home > Projects & Research > Child Protection International (CPI) : Human Rights Program Role

Child Protection International (CPI)

Human Rights Program Role

Taking Action

On October 15, 2007 the Human Rights Advocacy class was made aware of the abduction of Yar and Ajak; whereupon the class unanimously decided to take action. They quickly focused their attention to communicate with relevant organizations, promote awareness of the case and investigate fundamental issues behind child abduction in South Sudan. Through these efforts, a two-fold strategy was adopted to address the case: first, to ensure the safe return of Yar and Ajak and second, to recognize the larger issue of child abduction in South Sudan.

Petition & Postcards

The Government of Southern Sudan Mission to the United States is the target of an online petition and 2 postcard campaigns. These two tactics helped bring the cases to the attention of the Government officials, who have ultimate responsibility to protect the lives of their children. The campaign also helps build a greater audience and galvanize the international community against underscrutinized violations. Set at 1,000 signatures, the petition’s goal has exceeded expectations and continues to grow today. Over 600 signed postcards were sent in the first round, and were well received at the GOSS Mission office in Washington, DC. The second round of postcards will be sent in hopes to generate a similar response.

Press Conference

A press conference was held on November 6, 2007 at the University of Minnesota Law School, Spannaus Commons. Professor Barbara Frey and the students outlined the reasons and intentions for a trip to Washington, DC. The conference was attended by local media and encouraged the students for their departure later in the week.

Trip to Washington, DC

On November 9, 2007 four delegates were sent to Washington, DC to meet with officials from the United States and South Sudanese Mission to discuss the case of Yar and Ajak. They were prepared to provide information and advice on the case and encourage those responsible to take action. The trip was an amazing success. United States Senators Norm Coleman, Russ Feingold, and US Congressman Keith Ellison and US Congresswomen Betty McCollum, and Tammy Baldwin and US Senator Amy Klobuchar supported the group in Washington. McCollum was first to officially raise the issue.

The delegates met with numerous government officials including, United States’ Joan Mower (Sudan Desk at the Department of State), and South Sudanese Ruben Marial Benjamin (Deputy Head of Mission and Political Affairs Officer) Apuk Ayuel (assistant to the Head of Mission of the GOSS), Ezekiel Gatkuoth (Head of Mission of the GOSS), Akut Luel (Advisor to the President), and the President of Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit. Kiir was respetive towards the delegates yet felt the girls’ captors would release the children only through military pressure. The delegates were well received in Washington and made great progress in promoting the case and creating a dialogue with the Government of Southern Sudan. After this trip, the students called on Ismael Konyi, peace advisor to the President, as the person responsible to negotiate with Murle leaders.

Salva Kiir Mayardit- South Sudan President, Gabriel (Kou) Solomon- Uncle of Yar and Ajak, and Amanda Lyons- University of Minnesota, Amnesty International Legal Support meet in Washington, DC to discuss the abduction of Yar and Ajak Achiek Mading.

Public Information Session

On November 19, 2007 the Child Abduction International Campaign held a public symposium at the Humphrey Institute of Public Affairs Cowles Auditorium. The student panel led a detailed discussion on the history and fundamental issues surrounding child abduction in South Sudan. Furthermore, the student panel reported back from the Washington, DC trip and drafted their future intentions and agenda with the campaign.

Student Resolution

In early November a resolution was drafted to address the case. As of December 15, 2007, four students groups have signed on to the resolution; those organizations include The University of Minnesota Council of Graduate Students, Graduate and Professional Student assembly, Public Affairs Student Association, and United Nations Student Association.

Continuing Advocacy

Campaign work continues today, as Yar and Ajak have not yet been released and measures have not been implemented to address the larger problem. Through grants and donations, students from the Human Rights Program and volunteers to the Child Abduction International Campaign intend to undertake a specific agenda in 2008 to return Yar and Ajak and end child abduction in South Sudan. Up to date progress and information is provided at Save-Yar.org.