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TORIT - 15 Feb 2019

Three children reunited with parents in Torit State

Three children were reunited with their parents in Torit State on Wednesday after being separated by the conflict in Yei River State.

The Catholic relief organization CARITAS, working in collaboration with the United Nations Children Fund (UNICEF), facilitated the reunification process.

The head of CARITAS, William Okot said search for the children was a joint effort by partners who ensured they reached their parents.

“This was a joint effort to bring these children for them to unify with their family. Since 2013, they have been apart from each other,” said Okot.

Doris Titi, a UNICEF staff in Torit, said reunifying children with their families is the first stage of steps that follow processes involved.

“We are happy that the process has come to an end because it has really been very long since the process started. We are happy that the children have come. That is not the end of the process,” said Titi.

She said UNICEF will follow up on progress of the children.

“Our advice is, take good care of the children, make sure that they join school because it has just started and their health,” added Titi.

Atilio Odok Mario, father to the three children, said he had not communicated since violence broke out in the country in 2013.

“I am very much happy because I thought these children would not reach, but they have reached me truly. I thank very much the organizations that brought the children in a hunger situation,” said Odok.

He, however, said two of his children are still missing.

The state gender and social welfare minister, Vitale Ongejuk thanked the parents for their patience and called for enough time with children.

“I want to tell you congratulations. Stay with them; take time with them even if you are busy. Even for one hour, talk to them,” she said.