Children can thrive when they have access to inclusive, quality education, nutritious food, clean water, healthcare, and protection from child rights violations.
As the world marks World Children’s Day, UNICEF on Tuesday called on the Government of South Sudan and partners to protect the rights of every child through significant and sustained investments in essential social services that include education, nutrition, health, clean water, and child protection.
World Children’s Day is UNICEF’s Global Day of Action for children, by children, marking the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child on November 20. This year’s theme, “My Day, My Right,” underscores the universal and non-negotiable nature of child rights.
The day aims to raise awareness for the millions of children who are denied their right to adequate healthcare, nutrition, education, and protection.
UNICEF is concerned about the level of domestic investment in service delivery for children and calls for budget allocations that promote and protect the rights of children.
“In South Sudan, children are bearing the brunt of multiple shocks that are not of their making. These include the climate crisis, insecurity, and the impact of multi-dimensional poverty,” said UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Noala Skinner. “Prioritizing domestic investments in children that support their education, health, nutrition, access to clean and safe water, and their protection is key to the development of South Sudan and upholding the rights of every child.”
“On World Children’s Day, UNICEF reaffirms its commitment to advocating for the rights of every child, through its programme of cooperation and longstanding collaboration with the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and our partners,” she added.
Skinner said that while they continue to deeply appreciate the continued support of donors to South Sudan’s children, a true leap for children’s rights will happen when there is deeper and sustained budgetary allocation and execution of social services.
“This year’s World Children’s Day coincides with the G20 Social Summit in South Africa, a truly global moment to advocate for children’s rights and spotlight urgent issues,” she stated. “On this occasion, UNICEF has launched its flagship report, ‘The State of the World’s Children 2025: Ending Child Poverty – Our Shared Imperative.'”
The 2025 report underscores that despite important progress, child poverty remains pervasive, undermining children’s well-being. Progress has stalled and is further threatened by compounding crises.