UNICEF / SOUTH SUDAN CHILDREN

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell concluded a visit to South Sudan, urging the Government and the international community to step up efforts to protect children’s lives amid escalating conflict, climate shocks and mass displacement in the world’s youngest country. UNICEF

• Video Length: 00:01:56
• Production Date: 5 December 2025
• Corporate Name: UNITED NATIONS CHILDREN'S FUND - UNICEF
• Subject Topical: CHILDREN; HUMANITARIAN ASSISTANCE
• Geographic Subject: SOUTH SUDAN
• MAMS Id: 3511518
• Parent Id: 3511518
• Alternate Title: unifeed251205h

Description

STORY: UNICEF / SOUTH SUDAN CHILDREN
TRT: 1:56
SOURCE: UNICEF
RESTRICTIONS: PLEASE CREDIT UNICE ON SCREEN
LANGUAGE: NATS

DATELINE: 3 DECEMBER 2025, JUBA, SOUTH SUDAN

Shotlist

1. Med shot, mother with baby in immunization unit of hospital
2. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell talking with mother at immunization unit
3. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell talking with staff in immunization unit
4. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell talking with hospital director and staff in paediatric ward
5. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell talking with hospital director and staff in paediatric ward
6. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell in paediatric ward speaking with mother of twins recovering pneumonia
7. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell in paediatric ward speaking with mother of twins
8. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell in paediatric ward with baby recovering from malaria
9. Close up, UNICEF Executive Director Russell in paediatric ward with baby recovering from malaria.
10. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell in paediatric ward with mother of baby recovering from malaria
11. Med shot, mother and child in paediatric ward, recovering from malaria.
12. Med shot, other in paediatric ward with baby recovering from malaria
13. Med shot, baby in paediatric ward drinking water
14. Various shots, UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell walking with Hospital Director and UNICEF staff and into stabilization centre.
15. Med shot, UNICEF Executive Director Russell interacting with mother and child in stabilization centre
16. Med shot, mother caring for child suffering from severe acute malnutrition in stabilization centre.
17. Med shot, mothers and children in stabilization centre

Storyline

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell today (05 Dec) concluded a visit to South Sudan, urging the Government and the international community to step up efforts to protect children’s lives amid escalating conflict, climate shocks and mass displacement in the world’s youngest country.

Russell’s visit spotlighted the deepening needs of South Sudan’s children. More than 2.1 million children under the age of five are at risk of malnutrition and 9.3 million, three quarters of the population, require life-saving humanitarian support. In addition, nearly 1.3 million refugees and returnees fleeing the war in Sudan have arrived in South Sudan, adding pressure to limited water, food and medical services.

“The impact of conflict and climate shocks is creating a perfect storm of suffering for children in South Sudan, in a context that was already precarious,” said Russell, who travelled to Bentiu to speak with communities displaced by violence and flooding. “I spoke to a mother whose five-year-old son is recovering from severe malnutrition. She fled her home with her children when the floodwater came. The only thing she salvaged was a necklace from her deceased father. Her son now wears the necklace as a memory of his grandfather and the life they left behind.”

Almost half of all girls in South Sudan are forced into child marriage, and 65 per cent of girls and women (aged 15 - 64) have experienced violence. Russell went to a centre that provides a safe space for women and girls.

“‘I spoke with girls and women who have experienced terrible violence. Two of them told me they had contemplated suicide before coming to the UNICEF-supported center,” said Russell. “They told me that having a safe space to receive counselling and peer support was a lifeline,” said Russell.
More than one-third of UNICEF-supported safe spaces for women and children have closed this year because of funding cuts.

Russell also spoke with mothers whose children were severely malnourished. Two in five children are at risk of acute malnutrition across the country, particularly in areas hit by flooding, conflict and violence. Insecurity has caused a 25 per cent increase in humanitarian access constraints this year, leaving communities without the supplies they urgently need.

“I was at the country’s only pediatric hospital in Juba, and saw babies and small children suffering from malnutrition and diseases that are fully preventable. It is heart-wrenching,” said Russell. “We know how to save these children, and I saw the heroic efforts of health workers in the hospital and in the community. With focus and sustained investment from the government and the international community we can save many more lives.”

2.8 million school age children remain out of school, one of the highest rates globally. More than half of schools lack safe classrooms, trained teachers, and water and sanitation facilities. Girls are disproportionately affected, often forced to drop out due to child marriage, insecurity, and the absence of safe learning environments.

Investing in education is a moral imperative – and the strongest foundation for peace. Education breaks the cycle of poverty, reduces violence, and builds long-term stability. Public investment must prioritise education – not just to protect children today, but to equip the next generation to rebuild South Sudan tomorrow.

“Donors have been generous over the years, and it has made the world of difference to children and families,” said Russell. “Now is the time, not only for lasting peace, but for the Government to increase domestic investment in essential services for the sake of South Sudan’s greatest asset – its children.”