By Matik Kueth
The United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has urged the South Sudan government to support domestic funding for essential social services to protect and fulfil the rights of every child.
The call comes as the world commemorates World Children’s Day, which is observed on November 20th every year to honor the adoption of the Convention on the Rights of the Child and serves as a global reminder of the ongoing struggles of millions of children who lack access to adequate healthcare, nutrition, education, clean water, and protection.
This year’s theme, “My Day, My Right,” underscores that child rights are universal, non-negotiable, and central to national development.
World Children’s Day, celebrated annually on UNICEF expressed concern over the low level of domestic investment in key sectors that directly impact children’s well-being.
The agency called for increased and sustained budget allocations that promote and safeguard children’s rights across the country.
“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,” she added.
Skinner reaffirmed UNICEF’s longstanding partnership with the government and committed donors, but urged for stronger national leadership to drive meaningful change.
“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 said.
This year’s commemoration coincides with the G20 Social Summit in South Africa, creating what UNICEF describes as a critical global moment to spotlight child rights and address urgent challenges facing children worldwide.
Alongside the celebration, UNICEF released its flagship report, “The State of the World’s Children 2025: Ending Child Poverty, Our Shared Imperative.”
The report reveals that despite notable progress in recent decades, child poverty remains widespread, and global advancement has stalled due to escalating crises, conflicts, and economic shocks.
According to the report, compounding pressures are undermining children’s well-being and threatening to reverse previous gains, particularly in vulnerable contexts like South Sudan.
UNICEF said that without a strong national commitment to social spending, children will remain at risk of poor health, interrupted education, chronic malnutrition, and exposure to exploitation and violence.