Children have no place in war: War Child warns child recruitment could rise as violence escalates in South Sudan

Around the capital of Juba, Western Equatoria and the Upper Nile states, clashes between government and opposition have been reported. Around 50,000 people have been displaced by the conflict since February, and 10,000 have already made the journey into Ethiopia. 

Years of conflict combined with environmental disasters have left 4.5 million children in South Sudan in need of urgent humanitarian assistance, and at risk of gender-based violence, malnutrition, and disruption to their education. With tensions rising in the country, War Child is concerned that such violence could lead to the use and involvement of children in armed conflict around Juba, Western Equatoria and Upper Nile states.  

Zerihun Yohannes, War Child Country Director for South Sudan: “The conflict escalations in South Sudan are really troubling. 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. We know from experience that as conflict rises, so too does the recruitment and use of children in war. Those children face severe challenges in all areas of their life, often suffering from psychological problems such as post-traumatic stress disorder.  

“No child should have to experience war, whether they are in the crosshairs of a gun, or the one holding it. War Child will do everything in its power to protect children from recruitment and further harm. But parties involved in this conflict must also meet their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law to keep children and civilians safe.”

War Child and its local partners are monitoring the situation closely. As yet, War Child's activities which include mental health and psychosocial support, education, child protection, peace building and livelihood assistance have not been affected by the rising insecurity. War Child provides case management services to children, including those associated with armed groups and armed forces. In 2024 689 children benefitted from this support which includes reuniting children with their caregivers, psychosocial support, and cash assistance. But War Child stands ready to support children and caregivers, those who will inevitably be put further at risk should this violence continue to escalate.  

War Child calls on all parties involved in the conflict to seek a peaceful resolution that will protect children in South Sudan – many of whom have lived their entire lives surrounded by conflict. Instead of thrusting them into violence, children's rights must be respected, and their futures protected. 

For interviews or more information:
Jessica Timings, Media Manager, Jessica.Timings@warchild.net