South Sudan police have raised alarm over an increase in serious crimes, particularly human trafficking involving children.
Authorities said two incidents were recorded in March and April in Central Equatoria and Warrap states, where 25 children from Warrap were rescued along with one child in Central Equatoria.
Brig. James Dak Karlo, director of the Special Unit at the Ministry of Interior, said on Friday that police are handling multiple cases, including suicide, rape, abuse and trafficking.
“This month alone, at least 25 children were rescued while being transported from Warrap state en route to Kenya, with the intention of taking them abroad,” Karlo said. “Authorities intervened, brought the children back and ensured their safety.”
He said the children were temporarily held at the Warrap state coordination office before being reunited with their families.
Karlo also said a child trafficked from Gumbo Sherikat to Uganda in March was rescued through cooperation with Interpol. A suspect was arrested, DNA tests conducted, and the child returned to their family.
He linked rising domestic violence cases to economic hardship, saying financial pressures were contributing to tensions within households.
Karlo commended civil society organisations, including the Global Voice Organization, for community outreach and efforts to promote women’s empowerment.
Human rights activist Deng Bol Deng condemned trafficking, particularly cases involving children.
“Human trafficking is not only against our laws, but also against our culture and basic human morals,” he said.
He said trafficking often begins at the grassroots level, where vulnerable people are targeted and exploited, sometimes across borders, and called for stronger investigations and accountability.
“This is a serious issue that must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible must be held accountable and punished accordingly,” he said.
Child trafficking refers to the recruitment, transportation or receipt of persons under 18 for exploitation, including forced labour, sexual abuse or forced marriage.
Under international law, a child cannot legally consent to such exploitation. In South Sudan, it is a criminal offence under the Penal Code Act and the Child Act, carrying penalties including long prison terms and fines.
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