War Child Warns of Rising Risks for Children Amid Escalating Conflict in South Sudan

War Child warns of escalating violence in South Sudan, threatening 5.4 million children with armed group recruitment and humanitarian crises. With ongoing conflicts and significant displacement, the organization emphasizes child rights protection and the need for urgent humanitarian aid. War Child continues monitoring the situation, offering support to vulnerable youth, while advocating for peace and adherence to international laws.

The situation in South Sudan is increasingly alarming, with War Child expressing grave concerns for the 5.4 million children affected by escalating violence and recruitment into armed groups. Notably, armed clashes near Juba, Western Equatoria, and the Upper Nile states have displaced approximately 50,000 people since February 2025, with 10,000 fleeing to Ethiopia.

Currently, 4.5 million children require urgent humanitarian aid amidst years of conflict and environmental crises. They face significant risks, including gender-based violence, malnutrition, and interrupted education. War Child fears that the rising violence may result in more children getting involved in armed conflicts in the affected regions.

Zerihun Yohannes, War Child’s Country Director for South Sudan, highlighted the troubling nature of the escalated conflict, stating, “Children who should be learning in the classroom or playing with their friends are instead being stripped of their rights and being forced again to bear the burdens of war.” He emphasized that recruitment increases as violence rises, with children often suffering from severe psychological issues.

Yohannes firmly stated, “No child should have to experience war, whether they are in the crosshairs of a gun or the one holding it.” War Child is committed to safeguarding children from recruitment and harm, urging all parties involved to adhere to international humanitarian laws to protect vulnerable populations.

War Child is vigilantly monitoring the situation in South Sudan. Their activities, which include mental health support, education, and child protection, have not yet been compromised despite growing insecurity. In 2024, they aided 689 children with case management services, psychosocial support, and reunification with caregivers. However, War Child is prepared to extend assistance as the risk for children continues to rise.

War Child advocates for a peaceful resolution to the conflict, underscoring the necessity of safeguarding children’s rights and securing their futures – many of whom have never known peace. Rather than pushing children into violence, it is imperative to adhere to their rights and priorities as foundational to preserving their potential.

War Child has dedicated itself to enhancing the resilience and wellbeing of children living in conflict zones, collaborating closely with youth and their communities. Their significant focus on psychosocial support, child protection, and education ensures targeted assistance in crisis scenarios. Having evolved from music workshops in Kosovo three decades ago, War Child has expanded its efforts to become an authority in supporting children across over 14 nations worldwide.

In conclusion, the intensifying conflict in South Sudan poses severe threats to children’s safety and welfare, necessitating immediate attention and action. War Child’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and providing essential support through diverse initiatives remains crucial. The organization calls for a firm resolve among all stakeholders to prioritize the protection of children and strive for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing violence, ensuring that future generations are free from the burdens of war.

Original Source: reliefweb.int