A UN human rights expert group has expressed concern over an increasing number of children in South Sudan drafted into both government and rebel forces.
Reignited fighting between government and rebel forces killed many civilians in the African country in July. Armed clashes continue elsewhere in South Sudan, although its capital Juba has remained mostly calm since August.
Members of the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan undertook a field mission in November to monitor the country's humanitarian situation.
They told reporters in Juba on Wednesday that all armed groups in the country are conscripting children in preparation for possible battles as security situations worsen.
They said ethnic rivalries have risen to unprecedented levels and violence is spreading across the country.
Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force personnel have been engaged in UN peacekeeping operations based in Juba.
The advance team of a newly-dispatched SDF unit has arrived in South Sudan. The unit is tasked with new duties, including the armed rescue of UN personnel and aid workers in case they come under attack.
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