Fri Oct 24 22:00:20 UTC 2025: News Article:
Child Labor Soars to Crisis Levels in South Sudan, Affecting Nearly Two-Thirds of Children
JUBA, South Sudan – A new study reveals a devastating child labor crisis in South Sudan, where nearly two-thirds of children aged 5 to 17 are engaged in exploitative labor, with rates reaching a staggering 90 percent in the worst-affected regions. The National Child Labour Study, released Friday by the government and Save the Children, surveyed over 400 households across seven states and uncovered widespread forced labor, sexual exploitation, theft, and involvement in conflict.
The report attributes the crisis to a complex interplay of factors beyond poverty, including relentless flooding, disease outbreaks, and escalating conflict, all of which have displaced families and exacerbated hunger. In Kapoeta South, near the Ugandan border, 90% of children work in gold mining, pastoralism, or farming, instead of attending school. Yambio region in the southwest faces a similar situation, with local conflict and child marriage fueling the problem.
The study found that boys are more likely to be involved in dangerous industries or armed groups, while girls disproportionately face forced marriage, household servitude, and sexual abuse. Alarmingly, researchers discovered that knowledge of legal protections does not prevent child exploitation.
“When nearly two-thirds of a country’s children are working – and in some areas, almost every child – it signals a crisis that goes beyond poverty,” said Chris Nyamandi, Save the Children’s South Sudan country director. South Sudan’s 64% child labor rate is more than double East Africa’s already alarming average of 30%.
Education is considered the strongest protective factor against exploitation. Deng Tong, undersecretary at the Ministry of Labour, acknowledged the crisis and pledged to use the report as a foundation for action.
The report comes amid a series of humanitarian crises in South Sudan, where nearly one million people have been affected by severe flooding, leading to displacement and damage to critical health facilities. The country is also battling a malaria outbreak and widespread hunger, with 7.7 million people facing acute food insecurity.
Adding to the instability, fears of renewed civil war are growing, threatening to further destabilize the region and exacerbate the plight of vulnerable children. Armed clashes are escalating despite a 2018 peace deal. The United Nations reports that approximately 300,000 people have already fled the country this year due to escalating violence.
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