United Nations in South Sudan

The Sustainable Development Goals are a global call to action to end poverty, protect the earth’s environment and climate, and ensure that people everywhere can enjoy peace and prosperity. These are also the goals the UN is working for in South Sudan:

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Publication

18 January 2023

UNITED NATIONS SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT COOPERATION FRAMEWORK (UNSDCF)

The UN Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework (UNSDCF) 2023-2025 is the embodiment of this commitment. Created in collaboration with representatives of the Government, civil society (including NGOs, CSOs, academia and media), the private sector as well as development partners, it is designed to address the national priorities of today as well as prepare for and advance on the bright future planned for tomorrow. It therefore contains support for implementation of the Revitalized-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) and the Revised National Development Strategy (R-NDS) 2021-2024, with strengthened linkages to our humanitarian work under the Humanitarian Response Plan corresponding to the period of the Cooperation Framework.The UNSDCF 2023-2025 defines the collective vision and response of the UN Country Team in South Sudan to the country’s national priorities as well as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. As Resident Coordinator of the UN in South Sudan,

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Publication

01 May 2022

2021 UN Country Annual Results Report South Sudan

Throughout the year, the UNCT has enjoyed high-level dialogue with the government on a number of key humanitarian, peace and sustainable development concerns. For example, the National Food Systems Dialogues were used to inform global discussions at the UN’s General Assembly and the UNCT provided financial and technical support for the development of a National Youth Strategy currently at the legislature. The Strategy will support the protection and promotion of the human rights of every young person, empowering each to build their resilience, achieve their potential and make positive contributions as agents of change in South Sudan. Other key achievements worthy of mention include the mobilization of USD 11.7 million from the UN’s Peacebuilding Support Office for three key initiatives related to provisions under the Revised-Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS): the drafting of the permanent constitution, community action for peaceful resolution; and transitional Justice. A Peacebuilding Fund Secretariat has been established in the RCO to provide coordination and oversight of the projects. Further, the UNCT facilitated the set-up of the Truth, Healing and Reconciliation Forum, the establishment of governance administration across the 10 States and 3 administrative areas and organization of the fifth Governance forum. The latter identified 20 key actions including addressing floods, mitigating the effects of climate change and expediting the training, graduation and deployment of a unified force. Regarding Gender and Women’s Empowerment (GEWE) several initiatives are at advanced stage with the UN’s support, including the drafting of policy documents for a Women’s Development Fund, the Anti-GBV Bill signalling an end to impunity for SGBV perpetrators, plus the Strategic National Action Plan on Elimination of Child Marriage. The UNCT has also provided technical support to the government for the review of the National Development Strategy (R-NDS), conduct of fragility assessments and formulation of State Plans. These will inform medium to long-term development priorities and help to reinvigorate the aid architecture in South Sudan. Assistance from the UN has also enabled the Government to make progress on Public Finance Management (PFM) reforms building trust and yielding direct benefits. The World Bank has availed a USD 34 million grant to Government to advance PFM reforms, strengthen key oversight institutions, improve budget transparency and related outcomes in the country.

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2021 UN Country Annual Results Report Cover page

Story

07 April 2025

Strengthening South Sudan’s Health System: How UN Efforts Are Saving Lives

As the world marks International Health Day, it is important to reflect on the strides made in strengthening healthcare systems. In South Sudan, where access to healthcare remains a critical concern, the United Nations has been instrumental in strengthening the health sector and providing essential health services. Through various agencies, including the World Health Organization (WHO), The Joint United Nations Program on HIV and AIDS (UNAIDS), the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) with funding from the Global Fund, and UNICEF. The UN has played a vital role in expanding healthcare services, improving maternal and child health, combating HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and other infectious diseases, and strengthening the health infrastructure. These efforts contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Expanding Healthcare Services and Disease Control
The World Health Organization (WHO) has been at the forefront of public health interventions in South Sudan, ensuring that essential healthcare services reach vulnerable populations. WHO supported nationwide vaccination campaigns that reached 3.7 million people with polio vaccines and 4 million people with cholera vaccines in the first quarter. WHO also, responded to disease outbreaks, and provided training to healthcare workers to improve emergency response capacity. Through its efforts, South Sudan has seen progress in reducing the burden of preventable diseases, including measles, cholera, and malaria, aligning with SDG 3’s target of reducing mortality from communicable diseases.
Fighting HIV/AIDS and Promoting Public Health
UNAIDS has been working closely with local health institutions and international partners to combat HIV/AIDS in South Sudan. By promoting awareness, facilitating access to antiretroviral therapy, and reducing stigma, UNAIDS has contributed to a decline in new infections and improved the quality of life for those living with HIV. The agency’s initiatives also focus on vulnerable populations, ensuring that testing and treatment services are widely available, supporting SDG 3’s goals of ending the AIDS epidemic. HIV remains a public health concern in South Sudan, with an estimated 140,000 people living with HIV with over 8,100 new infections as of 2023. Despite a 45% reduction in new infections since 2010, South Sudan is lagging compared to the regional average of 59% reduction during the same time, largely due to legal and structural barriers, and funding limitations,
Maternal and Child Health Services
UNFPA has been pivotal in promoting maternal and reproductive health services in South Sudan. By providing medical supplies, supporting midwifery training, and ensuring access to life-saving interventions, UNFPA has helped reduce maternal and newborn mortality rates. Through mobile health clinics and community outreach programs, thousands of women now have access to essential prenatal and postnatal care, making childbirth safer across the country. These efforts directly contribute to SDG 3 and SDG 5, which seeks to ensure universal access to reproductive health services.
Improving care and Strengthening Health Infrastructure Through the UNDP- Global Fund Partnership
UNDP, with funding from the Global Fund, and in partnership with the ministry of Health, has improved care for people living with HIV and Tuberculosis and invested in strengthening South Sudan’s healthcare infrastructure. Through the procurement, storage and distribution of AIDs, TB drugs and laboratory reagents, the Global Fund partnership ensures access to vital medicines and therapeutics in 245 hospitals and health facilities across the country. In 2024 alone, 72,937 (64% F) people living with HIV and 2,790 HIV -positive pregnant women accessed ART services, while the TB Treatment Success Rate improved to 84% with 9,301 out of 11,089 diagnosed cases successfully treated.
Several health facilities including laboratories, delivery wards, outpatient departments, have been constructed, equipped and are now functional. The technical capacity of the laboratory staff, midwives, clinicians, medical doctors and nurses has also been strengthened. Hospitals and other health institutions have also been installed with solar power to improve energy access, and ease service delivery. In 2024 alone, solar energy systems were installed in 10 health facilities, with 18 more health facilities targeted in 2025. Support has also been extended towards medical oxygen production and safe disposal of medical, pharmaceutical and hazardous waste through the purchase and installation of oxygen plants and high-grade medical incinerators respectively. These investments align with SDG 9’s goal of building resilient infrastructure to support sustainable development
Building a Resilient Health System
UNICEF has played a critical role in ensuring that healthcare services are accessible to children and mothers. From immunization drives to nutrition programs, UNICEF’s interventions have addressed both immediate and long-term health challenges, building a more resilient healthcare system that can withstand future crises. Additionally, efforts have been made to provide clean water and sanitation in schools, public places and healthcare facilities.
These initiatives are directly contributing to the achievement of multiple SDGs, including SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). Continued investment in health is essential to achieving sustainable development and ensuring that every South Sudanese has access to quality healthcare services.

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A team of health workers mobilizing for vaccination

Publication

01 May 2022

2021 UN Country Annual Results Report South Sudan

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Story

06 November 2025

Recovery Along the White Nile

A ghost town in recovery Malakal used to be a bustling city, the second largest in South Sudan after the capital Juba. But since conflict erupted in 2013, what was once a thriving trading hub along the White Nile has largely become a ghost town, devastated by years of fighting and shifting frontlines, and isolated by a lack of roads.

The challenges of the past two years alone feel endless: renewed violence, influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan, a cholera outbreak declared, to name a few.Yet the people in South Sudan refuse to give up. Since the start of the conflict in 2013, nearly 3 million formerly displaced persons have returned home, within the country and from abroad, amid moments of cautious peace. The Upper Nile State, home to Malakal, has the largest number of returns with over 700,000 returnees reported, including 400,000 who were formerly displaced within the country. Some 225,000 remain internally displaced.“The situation is not always encouraging. But the thought that I still have work and that my children can go to school helps me get through each day,” said 28-years old Cecilia, a displaced vegetable seller and the breadwinner for her family of seven.

With her home destroyed in past fighting, Cecilia and her family have been living in the Malakal “Protection of Civilians” (PoC) site, a safe haven established by the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) since 2013 to protect civilians in imminent danger. Her husband struggles to find lasting employment, while Cecilia goes to the town center every day to sell at her stall. When clashes broke out near Malakal earlier this March, the family stayed in the site for several weeks without leaving, fearing for their lives. Cecilia only resumed working in the market in May for limited hours, going back to the PoC site before the crack of dawn.
“I have to support my family, no matter what,” she stressed.
Adapting to funding threats
In 2025, communities in South Sudan are grappling with volatile clashes, hunger, disease outbreaks, climate impacts and protracted displacement. Over 92 per cent of the population live in poverty. According to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), over 9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance – the majority are women and children. More than 2 million people are internally displaced, including 900,000 in camps and displacement sites. The situation is further exacerbated by unprecedented funding cuts, affecting work in humanitarian assistance, development and peacebuilding. Many health facilities and services across South Sudan have already shut down, with medical supplies reduced, cutting access to healthcare for as many as 1.6 million people, including pregnant women and malnourished children. Reductions in food aid are endangering families already struggling to survive.Amidst shrinking resources and thousands of staff reductions, the UN and its partners are scaling up area-based coordination - a more localized approach that decentralizes decision-making - to enhance operational efficiency and reduce aid dependency.
  Area-based coordination brings together humanitarian, development and peace workers at the state level to conduct joint programming informed by community priorities, exchange information, synergize joint efforts and avoid overlaps. So far, three Area-Based Coordinators are in Upper Nile, Unity and Western Bahr el Ghazal. By December, there will be an Area-Based Coordinator covering each of the ten states in South Sudan. This area-based approach is not new to the operation in South Sudan, having been piloted in three states since 2023. It also coincided with the Government’s launch of its Durable Solutions Strategy, one year later, in an effort to create lasting solutions for South Sudanese living in protracted displacement - shifting away from a historically humanitarian-dominant response. Supporting safe returns – when possible
In Upper Nile, area-based coordination has already been put to the test to support voluntary returns from the Malakal PoC site. In 2023, a group of displaced community members originally from Hai Matar, in Malakal, came together to voice to the Government their desire to leave the PoC site. The area is only a 20-minute drive from the PoC site, but families struggle to go back without assurances of safety, essential services and livelihood opportunities.The community’s demands were raised with the Area-Based Coordinator, who brought together local authorities and field focal points from NGOs and UN entities to chart an action plan for returns to Hai Matar, in line with the Durable Solutions Roadmap for the Upper Nile. Given Malakal’s history as an epicenter of conflict, a key priority was to ensure the environment was safe for return. Between April and September 2024, the UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) cleared 5 million square meters of land contaminated with landmines and unexploded ordnance. At the same time, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) protection teams conducted verification exercises and assisted families in the PoC site with restoration of land title deeds and legal counseling prior to them moving. This was key to minimize land disputes among neighbors, allowing peaceful relocation. Then came the shelters: 118 constructed by UNHCR and 51 by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to house the 900 returnees. To enhance protection and security, UNHCR established a police point on site, with UNMISS, as well as a community center that offers a safe space for women’s groups and residents to discuss shared concerns. All of these efforts were carried out under the leadership of community leaders and the Government, including the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC), in partnership with NGOs who drive implementation on the ground.
Before:
    After:
   A new beginning in Hai Matar
Families have started returning to Hai Matar in late 2024, the majority this year. Gathy, his wife, and four children - three boys and a baby girl who grew up in displacement - were among the returnees, first stepping into their new home in the summer. They fled Hai Matar in 2019 for the PoC site, seeking refuge from the fighting. What they initially thought would be a temporary arrangement soon turned into six years of life in a crowded tent.
“There were too many people for the little space that we had. There was no room for breathing,” recounted Gathy of his former life.
His new home in Hai Matar, made out of mud mixed with soil and dry grass, now has separate rooms for his wife and children’s privacy. He has an iron sheet roof that protects against the rain, and a garden space where he grows tomatoes, okras, hibiscus and eggplants. His ducks roams freely without the fear he once had that they might be stolen. Gathy used to cook for a cafeteria in the PoC site, but the money earned, on top of the food aid he received, was only enough for his family’s day-to-day survival.Today, he has entrepreneurial aspirations: “These days, I take on cash-for-work jobs when possible and sell my ducks’ eggs. Once my vegetables are grown, I plan to sell them at the market in town.” “I hope the income will allow me to buy food, pens, and pay my children's school fees. My wish is for all my children to go to school and live a life free from these hardships,” he added.
For now, the family receives food aid rations and water trucking while longer-term projects are underway. UNMAS continues to clear land of remaining remnants of war in Hai Matar, facilitating farming projects by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and IOM’s installation of a fully solar-powered water supply system. Hai Matar is just the starting point, with area-based coordination plans already in place to support returns to Hai Salam, a more remote area farther from Malakal’s city center, as resources permit.   No straight path home
While return movements remain dynamic across South Sudan, those in displacement also continue to need assistance. For families who have lived in displacement for years on end, unable to return home, their needs extend beyond humanitarian relief to having access to capacity-building and livelihood opportunities – enabling people to rebuild their lives until the day they no longer need aid. In the Malakal market, Cecilia recounted her experience last year as one of 1,000 entrepreneurs in Upper Nile who attended business training led by the UN Development Programme (UNDP) and the Government of South Sudan: “I learned record keeping and budgeting, which has helped me feel more in control of my business.” Cecilia received an interest-free loan in two installments, with repayment due in 12 months. She used the money to buy sorghum, a drought-resistant cereal grain, from another city in Upper Nile as part of her business plan to diversify her stall. Once repaid, the loans are extended to other qualifying applicants, allowing for sustainability.
“I am thankful for the support which has restored our confidence,” she shared.

The sorghum was very popular with her customers, enabling her to save some income, which she sets aside to rebuild a house outside the PoC site. Cecilia, who has successfully repaid her loans, is also a part of a women's group, locally known as “sanduk sanduk,” that saves money on a daily basis. But in South Sudan, external shocks remain a key challenge to sustaining livelihoods. The economy’s instability has caused her savings to reduce in value amidst prices that kept changing “every week.” Severe flooding this year, which has displaced over 335,000 people across 16 counties, has devastated farmland, resulting in a lower-than-average supply of vegetables for her to sell. Additionally, many of her former customers from neighboring towns have yet to return after being displaced by clashes in March. Cecilia voiced her message to the international community: “Mothers here are struggling to raise their children. Women and girls in South Sudan continue to need help, especially opportunities to learn and grow so they can support their family.” Back in Hai Matar, Gathy echoed a similar sentiment: “In South Sudan, we need to work in unity to lift our country because it is a young nation and it needs a lot of work. All of us are working to uplift our country. I hope one day we won't need to rely on help.”

Footnotes: Text and photos, taken in October 2025, by Madevi Sun-Suon from the UN Resident Coordinator's Office (RCO) unless otherwise noted. Thank you to the on-the-ground support of Dalibor Stanusic (UNMAS), Charles Chop Kuony Wapuoy (UNHCR), Mahmood Godo (UNDP) and Sabit Bol (IOM).

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Story

27 October 2025

The Hands That Reached Us By Esther Keji

In the ashes of broken promises and hope,The light blue and white came In 1945, eighty years ago.Not with swords, nor with arrows...But with peace upon its wings,Trust in every shade of sky,And hope that binds all hearts as one Hope against bloodshed, famine, and despair. UNMISS! standing tall like a wallBetween fear and faith,Guarding dreams that trembled in the dark,Holding peace like a candleAgainst the wind. UNICEF! oh, mother to the children,Wiping tears that war forgot to count.Filling empty classrooms with voices,Reminding the young that pencils, not guns,Should shape their futures.I am in school today because UNICEFGave me the tools to dream again. WFP! Walking through hunger’s hollow eyes,Breaking bread with the broken,Turning meals into messages:“You are seen. You are still ours.” FAO, kneeling in the ashes,Planting hope, seed by seed,While UNHCR spread tents like open arms,Sheltering dreams that had lost their homes. UNFPA, whispering courage to women,Teaching that silence is not surrender,That strength wears every shade of pain. WHO, with healing hands,Restoring not just bodies, but belief.And UNDP, building roads not only of stone,But of second chances, step by step, soul by soul. And the entire UN familyReminds us:Human rights are not just words on a document They are lives.They are us. And though peace still walksOn tender feet,Their footprints remain In every village, every camp, every heart Guiding South Sudan toward a dawnWhere dignity wears no uniform,And justice speaks every tongue.

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The Hands That Reached Us By Esther Keji

Story

21 October 2025

UN Day 2025: Building South Sudan’s Health Future Together

As the United Nations marks its 80th anniversary on 24 October under the theme “Building Our Future Together,” South Sudan also stands at a defining moment. This young nation holds immense potential, yet one still carrying the weight of recurring crises. In such moments of uncertainty, health becomes more than a service, it becomes the foundation for peace, resilience, and hope.World Health Organization, itself turning 77, was born out of the same spirit of unity that created the UN in 1945. From the very beginning, health was recognized as central to human dignity and development. Today, in South Sudan, that conviction drives our mission: saving lives, protecting communities, and securing the nation’s health future.South Sudan’s Health JourneySince gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has faced daunting health challenges. Over 80% of its people live in rural areas with limited access to health facilities. Maternal mortality remains among the highest in the world at 692 deaths per 100 000 live births. Children under five face mortality rates nearly double the global average, and with just 7.6 health workers and 1.4 facilities per 10,000 people, the system is under constant strain.Yet these statistics tell only part of the story. Alongside these difficulties is a story of resilience, innovation, and progress. In 2023, South Sudan became one of the first countries in Africa to integrate the malaria vaccine into its national immunization program, offering children a safer start in life. Polio surveillance has reached world-class levels, with stool sample adequacy at 95% and acute flaccid paralysis detection exceeding the global standard. These are not small victories; they are signs that with commitment, progress is possible.The Triple Burden of DiseaseSouth Sudan faces what we call the “triple burden of disease”:Communicable diseases such as malaria, HIV, tuberculosis, neglected tropical diseases and pneumonia remain leading causes of death.Noncommunicable diseases like hypertension, diabetes, and cancers are on the rise.Injuries, especially road traffic accidents, civil unrest and intercommunal clashes, are affecting the nation’s young, productive population.Confronting this triple challenge requires not just treatment, but prevention, preparedness, and investment in resilient systems.WHO’s Contribution: Working Hand in HandWHO’s role in South Sudan is not simply to deliver services but to stand alongside the Ministry of Health, communities, and partners in strengthening the foundation of care. Together, we have:Strengthened health emergency response through training and rapid deployment of health workers and mobile teams.Enhanced community preparedness, particularly for floods and other natural disasters.Expanded mental health and psychosocial support, acknowledging that healing minds is as important as healing bodies.Disease prevention and control, in successful mass drug and vaccination campaigns, the introduction of the malaria vaccine, strengthened emergency response systems, expanded HIV and TB services, improved laboratory capacity, and enhanced disease surveillance.Invested in resilience, ensuring that local health authorities are better equipped to respond to both immediate crises and future threats.These contributions are part of a broader vision: a South Sudan where every child is immunized, every mother has a safe birth, and every community can withstand the shocks of conflict, floods, or epidemics. These efforts, supported by strong partnerships with international agencies, have contributed to reducing the burden of preventable diseases and building a more resilient health systemLessons LearnedThe COVID-19 pandemic reminded us that no country can face health crises alone. The rapid sharing of data, knowledge, and resources across borders was not optional, it was essential. South Sudan’s experience demonstrated the importance of cross-sector collaboration: government, UN agencies, NGOs, researchers, and communities working together with one goal, saving lives.We must carry these lessons forward. Building strong surveillance systems, enhancing digital health solutions such as telemedicine and mobile applications, and harnessing tools like geographic information systems for disease mapping are no longer futuristic ideas. They are immediate necessities for effective prevention and response.Financing Health for the FutureBut technology and innovation cannot succeed without sustainable financing. Across Africa, health financing remains fragile, with out-of-pocket spending exceeding 20% in most countries. South Sudan is no exception. Domestic financing for health must increase steadily to ensure long-term sustainability. Evidence shows that public investment in health is the strongest predictor of progress toward universal health coverage. Innovative mechanisms and public–private partnerships will also be vital in bridging gaps.A Shared Vision for TomorrowAs we celebrate 80 years of the United Nations, the story of South Sudan illustrates both the challenges and the promise of working together. Every new vaccine introduced, every health worker trained, and every life saved is a reminder that progress is possible even in the most difficult contexts.Looking ahead, WHO calls for a renewed collective commitment to:Strengthen national capacity by training, deploying, and retaining health workers.Improve emergency preparedness so that crises do not derail essential health services.Expand community-based systems that bring health closer to the people.Secure sustainable financing to build a health system that lasts.Our work is not finished. But the foundations we are building today are preparing South Sudan for a healthier, more resilient future.On this UN Day, let us reaffirm our shared mission: to ensure health for all, everywhere. For in South Sudan, as across the world, health is not just the absence of disease, it is the bedrock of peace, dignity, and development. Together, we can build that future.Together, we can ensure that South Sudan’s future is one where no one is left behind, and health is the foundation for peace and prosperity.

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WHO and partners conducting a humanitarian needs assessment in areas affected by floods in Jonglei

Story

20 October 2025

“We Built the Camps to Save Lives. Now Let’s Build the Path Home”

Over a decade ago, as South Sudan descended into violent conflict, the international community acted quickly to prevent mass atrocities. Protection of Civilians sites were established on UN bases to shelter those fleeing. These sites, precursors to today’s IDP camps, were vital and lifesaving. What began as a temporary solution has, for many, become a long-term limbo. Hundreds of thousands remain displaced, some since 2013, dependent on shrinking aid and without access to land, livelihoods, or services. Insecurity and unresolved tensions limit their options to return or resettle. For too long, our collective focus has been on emergency relief rather than supporting the transition toward recovery and stability. This does not diminish the lifesaving role of camps, but it underscores the need to move forward – responsibly and sustainably – to help families find solutions beyond displacement. From Relief to Recovery South Sudan’s displacement crisis reflects a global challenge: a humanitarian system designed for short-term response but often ill-equipped for long-term solutions. Progress is possible. Across the country, UN agencies and partners are already working with communities and authorities to lay the foundations for durable solutions. In Bentiu, Malakal, and Wau, efforts are underway improve access to land, restore housing, strengthen legal protections, and create jobs – the building blocks of a stable future. Other initiatives focus on restoring services such as water, health, and education, making return areas more viable and sustainable. Locally led peace dialogues in Malakal and other areas are helping rebuild trust among divided communities. Youth groups, women’s networks, and traditional leaders are shaping roadmaps for reintegration, supported by national institutions. A Supportive Global Framework South Sudan’s path to durable solutions must be nationally led, with government ownership at its core. International partners, including the UN, stand ready to provide technical and financial support. The UN Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement offers a framework for this support. It calls on governments, donors, and humanitarian and development actors to work together on inclusive, development-driven approaches. In South Sudan, this means aligning international assistance with national priorities, complementing government leadership with the resources and expertise required to implement them. A Call to Action Helping people move beyond displacement is a moral responsibility and an essential step toward peace and development. Achieving this will require: Multi-year, flexible funding that supports both recovery and humanitarian needs.Better coordination between humanitarian, development, and peace actors.Investments in jobs, services, and infrastructure to make return and reintegration viable.Continued progress on the peace agenda, without which durable solutions will remain out of reach. The risks of inaction are clear: prolonged dependency, deeper marginalization, and lost futures for another generation. The alternative path centers on dignity, agency, and recovery. South Sudan has the opportunity to lead the way. With the resilience of its people, strengthened national leadership, and sustained international support, we can begin to turn the page on displacement – showing what a humanitarian system committed not just to survival, but to solutions, can achieve.

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Internally displaced people's camp in Juba

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17 October 2025

Finding Her Voice, Leading Against the Odds in South Sudan

Awrelia knows what it’s like to be silenced. Born into a family that didn’t believe in educating girls, she was kept home while her brothers went to school. Only when she moved to Khartoum with her uncle did she get a chance to study, though not for long. “One of my relatives scolded me just for going to school. Later, I was forced into marriage at 14. I fought to finish primary school, but I couldn’t go any further.”Even so, she never gave up on education – especially for her children. “I hope someday they become responsible and successful women leaders. Things must change for girls.”In South Sudan, where conflict and deeply entrenched gender norms have shaped life for generations, change is slow – but women like Awrelia are leading it with strength and determination. A widowed mother of eight, she has spent years raising her children alone, often under difficult and uncertain conditions. “Their father died when they were very young. My eldest son was still in primary school. Since then, I’ve struggled to raise them without help.”In everyday life, she’s constantly navigating complex family dynamics, scarcity, and stigma – yet she has kept going. “People expect us to endure silently. Even when women try to seek help, no one responds.”In many public spaces, the challenges are even greater. Awrelia describes how women are often dismissed and disrespected by men. “They call us just mere women. I used to stay quiet. I was afraid to speak up.”Awrelia had already been leading in her own way – fighting for her children’s education and holding her family together. That personal strength deepened when she joined a women’s leadership training organized by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Wau, with support from the European Union’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA).That training, part of IOM’s gender-transformative recovery programming, is just one piece of a much larger, locally driven effort to strengthen women's leadership. Across South Sudan, women's groups and grassroots movements have long been laying the groundwork for change. The five-day course builds on that momentum – offering women space to reflect, learn, and grow together. “I learned that leadership means treating people equally, solving problems, and being patient,” she says. “The training gave me courage. Now I stand up to those who used to intimidate me. I know I can lead.”She brought that confidence back to her community. Her local women’s group had nearly collapsed. “We had stopped meeting, but I brought the group back together. Now we hold regular meetings and support one another.”Though they lack funding for income-generating activities like sewing or catering, the group offers a different kind of strength: solidarity. “Some of us still can’t even sign our names. We want to learn. We want to stand on our own. But even without money, we lift each other in hard times and celebrate together in good ones.”In some displacement-affected areas of South Sudan, women head up to 80 per cent of households. Their leadership is essential to making sure support reaches families in ways that truly meet their needs. When women are empowered to lead, communities are stronger, and long-term solutions like stable housing, livelihoods, and access to services are more likely to succeed.Since the initiative began in 2022, nearly 1,400 women from internally displaced, returnee, and host communities across five locations have taken part in the training. Many have gone on to lead peer groups, help resolve local conflicts, and speak up for women’s rights in places where their voices were once ignored.In Wau, Bentiu, Malakal, and other areas where IOM runs the programme, more women are stepping forward. Those who once stayed silent now speak up at meetings, support survivors of violence, and build strong networks to share experiences and grow together.Facilitators – many of them displaced women themselves – are becoming trusted leaders. “People come to us for advice and support,” said one. “We teach women about their rights, and they listen.”Awrelia has seen the shift in how she’s perceived. “People recognize me now. At a meeting with chiefs and women leaders, I was called out and honored. That meant a lot to me. The women I lead respect me, and I respect them.”Still, she knows more is needed. “I wish every woman could attend this training. We try to share what we’ve learned, but it’s not enough. We need more support. More opportunities for women to lead.”From homes to community halls, South Sudanese women like Awrelia are finding their voices and reshaping what the future can look like – for their daughters, their families, and their country.

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Women’s group members in Wau meet to share experiences, support one another, and build leadership skills that strengthen their communities.

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Press Release

29 July 2025

Women in Uniform Day 2025: Agents of Peace and Progress

The South Sudan Security Sector Women's Network (SSSWN), in partnership with Hope Africa South Sudan, the Office of the UN Resident Coordinator, UN Women, UNDP, UNESCO, and UNMISS, organized a celebration marking Women in Uniform Day 2025. Funded by the United Nations Secretary-General's Peacebuilding Fund (PBF), the event marked the third anniversary of the South Sudan Security Sector Women's Network and highlighted the critical contributions of women serving in the country's security sector.Under the theme "Women in Uniform: Agents of Peace and Progress," the celebration brought together hundreds of women in uniform from across South Sudan's security institutions, including the national police, military, prison services, wildlife services, fire brigade, and civil defense services.The day commenced with a symbolic march of unity by women in uniform, demonstrating solidarity and commitment to peace and security in South Sudan. The march proceeded from Buluk police headquarters to Juba Freedom Hall for the main celebration, featuring heartfelt stories, singing, dancing and speeches by government officials, UN representatives, and security sector leaders. The celebration also held panel discussions on women's leadership in security, testimonials from network members, and cultural performances highlighting the diversity and strength of South Sudan's women in uniform.The South Sudan Security Sector Women's Network, established in 2022 with support from the United Nations Peacebuilding Fund, now engages over 500 women across police, military, prisons, wildlife, and civil defense services in leadership development, trauma healing, and literacy training. In Juba, Aweil, and Malakal, 504 women have enrolled in literacy classes, addressing years of educational exclusion due to conflict.Mohamed Abchir, UNDP Resident Representative and Acting Resident Coordinator for the UN in South Sudan, reaffirmed the UN's continued commitment to supporting women's empowerment in South Sudan's security sector. "To the courageous women in uniform who serve with dedication and dignity, your leadership lights the way. Your work directly advances SDG 5 by promoting women's participation in traditionally male-dominated fields. On behalf of the United Nations family in South Sudan, I reaffirm our commitment to supporting these efforts."The event aligned with UN Security Council Resolution 1325 on Women, Peace and Security, which emphasizes the importance of women's participation in peace processes and security sector reform. "Our main goal is ensuring that women aren't left behind when it comes to leadership and decision-making in South Sudan. We believe in 'teach one, teach a nation' – when we empower one woman, the impact ripples throughout the entire community. As we march forward, the girls along the way look up to us and get inspired to one day be women in uniform." – Lt. Col. Harriette Fouzia.“We must train the next generation about the importance of inclusion - that without women, the security sector would be at stake. When women in uniform are empowered to lead, we all become stronger.”- Hon. Yar Telar, Deputy Chairperson for Women Parliamentary Caucus."Historical evidence demonstrates that peace agreements achieve greater sustainability when women participate in their development, and their likelihood of successful implementation increases significantly," stated the Deputy Head of the European Union Delegation to South Sudan. "Therefore, the inclusion of women represents a strategic investment in long-term peace and stability."The Peacebuilding Fund has invested in initiatives that promote gender equality and women's participation in peace processes in South Sudan since 2011.Media Contact: Poni Allen, United Nations Resident Coordinator's Office, poni.allen@un.org, 0928006318Note to editors: High-resolution photos and additional resources are available upon request. Interviews with network members and UN officials can be arranged through the media contact above.

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Press Release

05 June 2025

South Sudan Development Cooperation Dashboard Updated to boost development aid transparency and strengthened coordination

Juba, South Sudan – The United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) and the Development Partners’ Group (DPG), with technical support from GIZ on behalf of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development, has completed the second update of the South Sudan Development Cooperation Dashboard. This milestone reinforces efforts to enhance aid transparency, improve coordination, and support data-driven development planning. First launched in December 2024, the dashboard closes critical gaps in reporting and tracking development assistance to South Sudan. The dynamic platform offers a centralized, user-friendly interface that enables stakeholders to access real-time data on development projects, funding sources, implementation progress and geographic coverage. Available publicly on the UN South Sudan website, it champions transparency and accountability. The latest update, conducted between February and May 2025, was achieved through close collaboration with international donors and UN agencies. It incorporated fresh data submissions, including from a new donor, Switzerland, and enhanced the database’s accuracy and comprehensiveness. Currently aggregating information from 11 international donors and UN entities, the dashboard provides an essential snapshot of funding flows showing who is financing what, where, and when. It is a vital tool for improving coordination among partners, aligning investments with national development goals, and enabling smarter resource allocation to accelerate progress toward the aspirations of the South Sudanese people. Access the Development Cooperation Dashboard here: https://southsudan.un.org/en/284533-south-sudan-development-cooperation-dashboard Media Contact: Ms. Poni Allen Ladu, RCO Communications and Advocacy, Email: poni.allen@un.org Tel: +211 928 066 318 Technical Contact: Mr. Bida Fredrick Francis, Database Specialist, Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, Email: bida.francis@giz.de Tel: +211 929 044 43

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Press Release

22 May 2025

National NGOs Complete Risk Management Training, Showcasing UN–NGO Partnership and Collective Action in South Sudan

More than 30 national NGOs have successfully completed a two-day pilot training on risk management, marking a significant step forward in strengthening collaboration between the United Nations and local humanitarian actors in South Sudan.The training was organized by the South Sudan NGO Forum in partnership with the Risk Management and Conflict Analysis Unit (RMU) under the UN Office of the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator (DSRSG/RC/HC), Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho. It was supported by key UN agencies, including OCHA, UNHCR, WFP, and UNMISS.Designed specifically for South Sudan’s complex operational landscape, the training equipped local organizations with practical tools and strategies to identify, assess, and manage risks more effectively. The initiative aligns with the broader vision of placing local actors at the forefront of humanitarian response.
“National NGOs are often the first responders, operating in some of the most difficult circumstances,” said Ms. Ngozi Amu, Head of the RMU. “This training is part of our commitment to strengthening their leadership and resilience through improved risk awareness and collective problem-solving.”Mr. Jubril Shittu, Head of the South Sudan NGO Forum, underscored the importance of the initiative: “This pilot demonstrates the value of closer UN–NGO collaboration. It’s a practical example of how we can improve the way assistance is planned and delivered. We look forward to expanding this training to reach even more national partners.”
This initial training marks the beginning of a broader effort by the RMU to enhance coordination, build trust, and empower local organizations as key leaders in South Sudan’s humanitarian landscape.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Umer Frooq- umar.farooq1@un.org
Poni Allen -Poni.allen@un.org

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Press Release

19 December 2024

Heads of Cooperation and UN Launch South Sudan Development Cooperation Mapping Dashboard to Strengthen Coordination

In a positive step towards enhancing development coordination, the Heads of Cooperation (HoCs) and the United Nations Resident Coordinator’s Office (UNRCO) launched the Development Cooperation Dashboard in Juba. This innovative platform aims to address long-standing challenges in mapping and managing development projects in South Sudan.
With the financial support from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and technical leadership from Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), the new dashboard offers a centralized platform to determine who funds what, where, and when across South Sudan. Available on the UN South Sudan website, https://southsudan.un.org/en/284533-south-sudan-development-cooperation-dashboard,it compiles data from 11 international donors, development banks, and UN entities.
“The dashboard is a joint commitment of the Heads of Cooperation to improve coordination and strengthen collaboration. Germany is proud to have supported the development of this important tool,” said Dr. Björn Niere, Head of Cooperation at the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany.
"This event signals our joint commitment to improving collaboration and coordination of efforts in support of the country’s development priorities and the well-being of its people," said Anita Kiki Gbeho, UN Deputy Special Representative, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator, and Co-chair of the Heads of Cooperation.
Speaking on behalf of the Heads of Cooperation, Mr. Bouwe-Jan Smeding, Head of Cooperation from the Netherlands mentioned that the Tool will be useful if “we are able to keep the data up to date and use it”, to avoid duplication of efforts and enhance coordination.
“The Tool is a valuable first step to further improving the effectiveness of development cooperation in South Sudan “said ahead of the launch event, Mr. Michael Rymek, Head of Cooperation at the Canadian Embassy and Co-chair of the Heads of Cooperation.The dashboard paves the way for more inclusive planning and data-driven decisions to better address the needs of South Sudanese communities. The launch was witnessed by senior officials from the Ministry of Finance and planning and the National Bureau of Statics.
“This innovative tool will empower us to better align resources with national priorities, address gaps, and improve coordination among government, donors, and implementing partners. It underscores the commitment of the donor community to transparency, efficiency, and impactful collaboration for the benefit of the people of South Sudan.” said the Deputy Minister of finance and planning Hon. Bec George Anyak.

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Press Release

23 April 2024

United Nations in South Sudan calls for urgent release of trucks carrying fuel and other critical supplies after Government commits to rescinding tax demands.

JUBA, 23 April 2024 - The United Nations in South Sudan acknowledges the assurance given today by the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs that the imposition of taxes on trucks carrying fuel and other supplies does not apply to UN humanitarian, development, and peacekeeping operations or to the diplomatic community.However, we remain concerned that our fuel trucks are still being held up at various depots and the border. Until they are released, the UN will not be able to conduct many of its activities in support of vulnerable communities across the country.The situation is critical. The fuel reserves of the UN and its agencies, funds, and programmes are running out. This will prevent the delivery of millions of dollars of aid during a severe humanitarian crisis and divert already stretched funding provided by donors and other Member States to assist the people of South Sudan. Humanitarian airdrops have already been suspended, affecting 60,000 people in need. UNMISS itself is also forced to review peacekeeping patrols, road repairs, construction of police stations, schools, and health centers, as well as reduce support to peace and electoral processes.“While we acknowledge the Government’s confirmation of its intention to end the blockade of our trucks, we now need urgent action to get the trucks moving to ensure our support for South Sudan does not grind to a halt,” said the Special Representative of the Secretary-General in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom.

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