New York, 26 March 2025 – Children in South Sudan are facing increased risks of violence and violations of their fundamental rights as the recent escalation of violence in the country threatens the important gains made since the signature of the Revitalized Peace Agreement in 2018. The UN Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict, Virginia Gamba, calls on all parties to continue to respect their commitments for children as part of their action plan signed with the United Nations and to reaffirm their commitment to the Peace Agreement.
Clashes erupted on March 4th, 2025, in the town of Nasir between Government Forces and the White Army, posing a serious threat to the civilian population, including children, and jeopardizing peace in South Sudan. Violence indiscriminately targeting civilians resulted in significant casualties and the displacement of the population, including children.
This escalating violence poses grave risks for children, exposing them to grave violations and particularly killing and maiming, recruitment and use, abduction, and sexual violence. The Special Representative calls on all parties to ensure that all measures are taken to protect children during hostilities and prevent harm, including grave violations, as the comprehensive action plan signed with the South Sudan People’s Defence Forces (SSPDF) in February 2020, which also includes the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement/Army in Opposition and the South Sudan Opposition Alliance, is still under implementation and must be respected.
“I am deeply concerned over the escalating violence, particularly in the Upper Nile province, and I urge all parties to silence their weapons and comply with their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. All parties must reiterate their commitment to the Revitalized Peace Agreement and the SSPDF must comply with the action plan signed with the United Nations. The stability of the country and a lasting peace for all, including new generations, is at stake,” stated Virginia Gamba. “All necessary steps must be taken to avoid further escalation of hostilities and to protect children from violence,” she added.
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For more information:
Ariane Lignier, Communications Officer, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict: ariane.lignier@un.org
Fabienne Vinet, Political Affairs Officer, Office of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict: vinet@un.org