Nyibar holds infant son in her arms and balances bag on her head in South Sudan

South Sudan

Why are we in South Sudan? South Sudan gained independence in July 2011 and has experienced a long history of conflict, displacement, and deepening humanitarian needs. The Human Development Index (HDI) places South Sudan last out of 91 countries. Conflict and flooding have increased the number of IDPs to 2.2 million people in 2023 across the country. We are responding by providing emergency, resilience, and long-term development programming.

Widespread displacement puts untold pressure on people’s ability to cope

In February 2020, the establishment of the Transitional Government of National Unity (TGoNU) marked a step forward in South Sudan’s peace process, which has seen a largely successful ceasefire and a reduction in conflict since 2018. However, the impact of years of fighting has destroyed livelihoods, and persistent localised insecurity means an estimated, 9.4 million people (76% of the population) are in need of humanitarian assistance in 2023.

In 2023, an estimated 7.8 million people (63% of the population) are expected to experience severe food insecurity at the peak of the lean season (April-July). Between July 2022 and June 2023, an estimated 1.4 million children under five are expected to suffer from acute malnutrition.

Irish artist Brian Maguire pictured alongside paintings which were inspired following his recent visit to a Protection of Civilian Camp in Bentiu, South Sudan with Concern. Photo: Concern Worldwide.

“It’s hard to cope with what you’re seeing because people have nothing. It was two days wandering around the camp before I saw a child with a piece of paper. There are no toys. Nothing.”

Brian Maguire - Irish artist

Latest achievements

Programme impact

In 2022, Concern reached over 430,000 of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in South Sudan through health and nutrition, livelihoods, WASH, food security and shelter programmes.

Emergency response

COVID-19 prevention

Woman with two children on lap with third child in background

Khamisa John (18) sitting with three of her four nieces. Khamisa along with her sister Daniela (mother of nieces, mother and other siblings had to flee there home. They now live in a POC in Juba. Concern supports the family through shelter, nutrition and most recently sharing awareness on Covid-19. Photo: Samir Bol / Concern Worldwide

Woman operating hand pump next to man, surrounded by jerry cans

Rebecca Aluel Aytiak, a woman from Aweil West is a trained hand pump mechanic. She now does maintenance of the hand pumps in her community, a role that traditionally is held by men. Photo: Concern Worldwide

Man in green t-shirt and face mask in Covid clinic

Concern CMAM Nurse, Wal Stephen works in the Nutrition Centre in a POC in Juba. He provides support to families around Nutrition. This includes the assessment of mothers and children for signs of malnutrition. Wal has had to adapt to working with Covid-19, he now wears a face mask while with patients and promotes social distancing in the Nutrition Centre. South Sudan Photo: Samir Bol / Concern Worldwide

Woman in South Sudan watering patch of crops with watering can

Nyamuon Keer is a member of the Mother to mother support group, in sector 4 watering vegetable garden, Unity State. Photo: Concern Worldwide

Group of women watching woman using hoe in garden

Practical demonstration for nursery bed establishment, Unity State. Photo: Isaac Mayian/Concern Worldwide

Five men in Concern life-jackets travelling through flood water on canoe

Concern workers travel to piece of land which has become surrounded by flood water near Bentiu in Unity State. Photo: Ed Ram

Brian Maguire programme visit

Irish artist Brian Maguire travelled with Concern Worldwide to an IDP camp in Bentiu in 2018. The site is home to 112,829 people who have been displaced by war in South Sudan. His ‘HUMANITY Site Unseen’ exhibition is inspired by the people he met there. His works bear witness to a crisis so vast, its sufferers have been rendered anonymous by scale.

How we're helping South Sudan

We're working hard to respond to the growing needs in South Sudan through emergency programming which includes activities around health, food security, and water sanitation and hygiene.