South Sudan
Children in South Sudan are facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world, with many at risk of displacement, malnutrition and violence, while the education system is failing. Together with five local partners, War Child provides child protection services, psychosocial support, education and emergency assistance to address the urgent needs of children, their families and their communities.
The situation for children
The world’s youngest nation has experienced a turbulent history of war and conflict, with children bearing the brunt of the violence. South Sudan gained independence from Sudan on 9 July 2011, bringing an end to Africa’s longest-running civil war. However, in 2013, civil war erupted following political unrest and ethnic tensions, resulting in an estimated 400,000 deaths and the displacement of around four million people.
Despite multiple ceasefires and peace agreements, including the formation of a Transitional Government of National Unity in 2020, conflict has continued. In 2025, South Sudan was affected by both renewed violence and severe flooding, leaving millions of people in need of urgent humanitarian and protection assistance. The situation was further exacerbated by the arrival of more than 1.3 million refugees and returnees fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
Our work in South Sudan
Since 2006, War Child has been working in South Sudan to protect and support children affected by conflict. Together with five local partners, we provide child protection, psychosocial support, education and emergency assistance to address the urgent needs of children, their families and their communities. In April 2023, we launched an emergency response to meet the needs of children affected by the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
Evidence-based Methodologies used in South Sudan
Play and movement-based psychosocial support
- Evidence-based
- Mental health and psychosocial support
Strengthening parent wellbeing and skills
- Evidence-based
- Mental health and psychosocial support
Latest news from South Sudan
War Child and LOST Statement on the Killing of our Student, Zahra'a, and on our Injured Colleague, Ayman
We are devastated to receive the news about the killing of Zahra’a, a child participant under our education programme in Baalbek, Lebanon, in an Israeli airstrike last week. The strike happened on 8th April when deadly Israeli airstrikes targeted several districts across the country, killing 33 children and injuring 153.
- Mental health and psychosocial support
Upholding the Voices of Caregivers and Children in Research: BeThere in South Sudan
In humanitarian environments like South Sudan, conducting research is about far more than just gathering data; it is about respecting the dignity and prioritising the safety of every participant. This spotlight interview features Ajak Michael Bul, Research Coordinator and Co-Investigator of the War Child Alliance's BeThere methodology evaluation, which focuses on supporting caregivers and parents to reduce stress and enhance positive parenting to improve the wellbeing of children in their care.
- Child protection
- Education
- Mental health and psychosocial support
A space to heal, learn, and play: education, protection and psychosocial support for children displaced by Sudan conflict
As conflict forces millions of people in Sudan to seek refuge or return home to neighboring South Sudan, War Child is on the ground providing children with protection, education, and psychosocial support to recover from the trauma of displacement.
- Child protection
- Mental health and psychosocial support
World Refugee Day 2025: Protecting children in East Africa
Each year on 20 June, the world recognises World Refugee Day. This annual event serves as a powerful reminder of the millions of lives uprooted by violence, families forced to flee with nothing, and children robbed of safety and certainty. It’s also a moment to honour their strength, resilience, and their right to seek protection.
Children have no place in war: War Child warns child recruitment could rise as violence escalates in South Sudan
As the situation in South Sudan continues to deteriorate, War Child is gravely concerned for the 5.4 million children and youth in South Sudan who face a growing threat of violence and recruitment to armed groups.
International Women’s Day – Celebrating the women of War Child
This International Women’s Day, we are celebrating some of the women here at War Child who work behind the scenes and on the frontline to help build a better and brighter future for children around the world.
