In South Sudan, a new report highlights an alarming surge in child labor, as nearly two-thirds of children are now engaged in its most exploitative forms, exacerbated by a multitude of humanitarian crises. This complicated situation, fueled by ongoing conflict, severe flooding, and health issues, places a pressing need for a comprehensive response that prioritizes the welfare and protection of children—a significant investment in the future of the nation and its vulnerable communities.
According to a recent study conducted by the South Sudanese government in collaboration with Save the Children, approximately 64 percent of South Sudanese children between the ages of five and 17 are ensnared in the worst forms of child labor, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and involvement in armed conflict. Alarmingly, these figures soar to almost 90 percent in the most severely affected regions, revealing a crisis far more nuanced than mere poverty. The National Child Labour Study, which examined data from over 418 households across seven states, outlines the expansive impact of humanitarian crises on childhood exploitation.
Complex factors such as relentless flooding, disease outbreaks, and ongoing conflicts have compounded the existing vulnerabilities faced by families, propelling millions to the brink of hunger. In Kapoeta South, a region bordering Uganda, the study found an overwhelming nine out of ten children actively engaged in gold mining, pastoralism, and farming—often at the cost of their education. Additionally, the Yambio region in the southwest recorded alarmingly high rates of child labor, driven by local conflicts and the prevalence of child marriage, which forces children into labor rather than schooling.
The report emphasizes the gendered dimensions of child exploitation; boys are more commonly engaged in hazardous industries or recruited by armed groups, while girls are disproportionately affected by forced marriages and household servitude. Disturbingly, about 10 percent of surveyed children indicated their involvement with armed groups, particularly in regions like Akobo, Bentiu, and Kapoeta South.
Notably, the research laid bare a disheartening reality where knowledge of the law does not necessarily shield children from exploitation. Around 70 percent of children involved in perilous work came from homes with adults who were familiar with legal protections, yet two-thirds of these children remained unaware of the assistance available to them. Chris Nyamandi, Save the Children’s South Sudan country director, underscored that the scale of child labor in South Sudan transcends even the grim averages of East Africa, where child labor rates stand at about 30 percent according to ILO-UNICEF data.
The government has acknowledged the urgency of addressing this issue, with Deng Tong, undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, affirming that the findings from the report will serve as a “critical foundation for action” moving forward. As the government grapples with acute crises—including nearly one million individuals affected by severe flooding, a growing malaria outbreak with over 104,000 reported cases in just one week, and 7.7 million people facing acute hunger—the need for strategic and effective interventions for children is more pronounced than ever.
Amid escalating violence and fears of renewed civil war, with armed clashes resuming at levels not seen since 2017, the nation’s future hinges on the commitment to protect and invest in its youth. The fragile peace agreement forged in 2018 between President Salva Kiir and First Vice President Riek Machar is increasingly tested, with Machar now facing serious legal charges including treason and crimes against humanity, charges he continues to deny. Thus far, around 300,000 residents have fled the nation in response to the violence, marking yet another challenge in ensuring the safety and well-being of South Sudan’s children.
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