Read our 2021 annual report
Concern's objectives, activities and achievements in 2021 can be found in our new annual report.
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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 it at 185 out of 189 countries. We are responding by providing emergency, resilience, and long-term development programming.
*We are currently responding to the threat of COVID-19 in South Sudan. Find out more about our response here.
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 has left 8.9 million people (70% of the population) in need of humanitarian assistance in 2022.
In 2021, there were 2 million internally displaced people within South Sudan (55% of which are women and girls). In 2022, an estimated 7.74 million people (62.7% of the population) are expected to experience severe food insecurity at the peak of the 2022 lean season (April-July). The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is also predicted to worsen further in 2022 due to the impact of the widespread flooding which has further increased the vulnerability of already vulnerable populations.
“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.”
Latest achievements
Programme impact
Concern reached over 470,000 of some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in South Sudan through health and nutrition, livelihoods, WASH, food security and shelter programmes in 2021.
Emergency response
COVID-19 prevention
Jantik, a young boy living in the PoC of Juba, South Sudan smiles at the camera. Photo: Steve De Neef/Concern Worldwide.
The lead mothers of Concern's nutrition programme in Bentiu's PoC sing and dance.Photo: Steve De Neef/Concern Worldwide.
A monthly food distribution in Juba PoC. Photo: Steve De Neef/Concern Worldwide.
Tapitha Nyasunday and Nhachuodier Liem Tai, participants of Irish artist Brian Maguire's workshop holds up her resulting painting. Photo: Steve De Neef/Concern Worldwide.
Tieni Gal (8) with her cousin Malech Jal (16) inside their home in Bentiu's PoC. Photo: Steve De Neef/Concern Worldwide.
Veronike Meer, a lead mother in Concern's MIYCN programme with Simon, a Concern nutrition worker. Photo: Steve De Neef/Concern Worldwide.
Brian Maguire programme visit
Irish artist Brian Maguire travelled with Concern Worldwide to a Protection of Civilian 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.
HUMANITY Site Unseen: Irish artist Brian Maguire in South Sudan
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.
Health and nutrition
Food security and livelihoods
Water, sanitation and hygiene
Latest from South Sudan
Organisations who fund us
Related publications
Accountability
