This analysis examines the roles of local stakeholders in reducing the number of street children in South Sudan’s cities. Street children, often the most vulnerable and marginalized, raise concerns about their safety, protection, and access to fundamental rights. This opinion article assesses the responsibilities of stakeholders in addressing the growing presence of street children, vulnerable individuals, and the elderly throughout major towns in South Sudan.

Street children consistently face challenges related to rights such as food, housing, healthcare, legal protection, safety, and basic education, all of which contribute to their long-term well-being (Wright, Cullen & Miller - 2001).

The existence of fragile street children reflects a country’s obligation to ensure fairness and protection for all citizens, regardless of their origins or status. The South Sudanese government has a responsibility to alert key stakeholders to prioritize the conditions of street children nationwide, as this is a mandatory duty of any government. Under the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights, all individuals deserve equal rights and liberties, and international laws safeguard persons with disabilities, orphans, and street children—often the most overlooked and vulnerable groups in service delivery.

Potential stakeholders, including human rights defenders, legal professionals, lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and eligible international partners, should collaborate to support street children and individuals with disabilities in South Sudan.

“Street children’s daily activities in city streets”

The urgent need for resolutions to protect children from destitution and prevent their forced entry into street life prompts this call for action in South Sudan. Stakeholders must consider the circumstances that lead children to adopt street life, as outlined in the South Sudan Child Act. Street children face various risks, including exposure to sexual exploitation, engagement in stealing due to challenging circumstances, susceptibility to joining city gangs or criminal activities, becoming tools for espionage, turning to pickpocketing, and causing accidents as they linger on road sides.

“The vulnerabilities of city market adolescents”

Living with disabilities and street teenagers often find themselves trapped in a cycle of poverty and violence, exposed to diseases such as HIV/AIDS. They face the risk of dangerous diseases through forced sexual assaults, both at night and during the day, leading to social exclusion and an observable increase in immovability. Approximately 45% of street children, persons with disabilities, orphans, and the elderly endure emotional abuse, despite their grief and sense of insecurity.

To address these challenges, the Government of South Sudan, along with international and regional humanitarian groups, civil society organizations, human rights defenders, and ministries responsible for children’s rights, should conduct rapid assessments across the country. Quick assessments are necessary to understand the reasons behind the alarming increase in street children and other disadvantaged groups in all cities.

“Life-threatening risks for kids”

The hidden sacrifices made by the wealthy to amass wealth, coupled with threats from witchcraft, forceful child abduction or trafficking, and the exchange of underage teenagers for business gains pose significant dangers to street children in South Sudan. This situation is further compounded by organ extraction and selling to hospitals, highlighting the most life-threatening challenges faced by street kids in the regional context.

In response, stakeholders need to intensify advocacy efforts, raise awareness on specific issues, promote human rights responsiveness, and enhance service provisions, particularly in peacebuilding for inclusivity. Special attention should be given to persons living with physical disabilities to create a better world for them. Rights groups should lobby for support to strengthen these sectors through civic engagement with donors and lawmakers to ensure equal access to services for every citizen in the country.

“The growing plight of uneducated street children”

A rising number of street children face limited or no access to education due to factors such as marriage breakdown, poverty, abuse, torture, rape, children abandonment during war, or being orphaned by AIDS. UNICEF (1999) estimates that approximately 10 million children in Africa live without families, often in urban areas. Leaders at all levels, from local to central government, must address governance issues to ensure a better future generation by providing essential services.

South Sudan, born out of numerous wars from its independence struggle to ongoing conflicts, has witnessed a surge in street children, particularly since the eruption of violence on December 15th, 2013, in Juba. The writer expresses deep concern about the intensification of violence against street children by city perpetrators and the silent risks they endure.

I call upon law enforcement agencies to protect the rights of vulnerable individuals, including those with physical disabilities and orphans, and extend a warning to unidentified perpetrators to cease child labour. Many institutions neglect the outcry of vulnerable children, violating labour laws and policies protecting those under eighteen years old. South Sudan allows the employment of individuals under eighteen without proper procedures and lacks supervision of these institutions.

The government must strengthen its system to protect street children and those with disabilities from unscrupulous adults who prey on the vulnerable. Police need more training on safeguarding these vulnerable individuals and children on the streets.

Moved by the plight of street children, I conducted a quick observable survey in various parts of Juba. The findings indicate alarming percentages of vulnerable persons and street kids in different locations, highlighting the urgent need for attention. The percentages are as follows: 20% in Konyokonyo Market, 15% in Juba Town, 15% in Custom Market, 15% in Jebel Market, 10% across the River Shirkat, 10% in Gudele streets, 6% on Malakia road, 4% in Mangaten Market, and 10% in UNMISS/POCs camps.

The writer emphasizes the heartbreaking reality faced by these vulnerable individuals and street children, and the research team’s rapid assessment underscores the severity of the situation. The writer expresses sorrow for the beautiful youth struggling on the streets while the affluent drive by without acknowledging their plight.

Street children are seen as South Sudan’s potential future leaders, but their current circumstances, relying on leftovers from the rich, raise concerns about how they will navigate toward a stable South Sudan. The writer questions how they will reach a better future amid a landscape of neglect and exploitation by both local and foreign actors.

As the plight of street children continues with increasing frustration and dismay, they find themselves vulnerable, homeless, and hopeless, resorting to activities like picking pockets and begging for survival. Many wonder why these children engage in such actions, failing to recognize the harsh reality of poverty that colours their lives.

International charters, including UNICEF, the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC), and the African Youth Charter 2006, play vital roles in child protection. South Sudan’s constitution and international human rights, especially the Child Act under human rights conventions, need critical review to address this issue.

It’s crucial for these children to understand that their country is a member of United Nations’ charters that protect children’s rights, with UNICEF as their immediate watchdog. The tireless work of various right groups remains instrumental in advocating for their well-being and safeguarding their rights.

Stakeholders responsible for overseeing issues related to children living on the streets include political leaders, donors, UNICEF, planners, civil society actors, police, researchers, and all representatives of local government. However, the researcher points out the lack of will from both the government and the community to address the challenges faced by street kids.

A comprehensive research effort in South Sudan’s capital city, Juba, reveals a growing number of street kids, emphasizing the urgent need for government and humanitarian actors to intervene. Stakeholders must actively monitor, protect, and address cases related to street children, implementing various mechanisms to support their well-being, such as establishing foundations, providing security, counselling, psychosocial support, and ensuring access to education.

Cities with a significant percentage of street children face threats, as these children may be manipulated by city criminals to monitor and follow individuals they suspect of having money. I urge relevant authorities to take immediate action to curb the rising numbers of street children before criminals exploit them for spying.

I call on all rights groups to support street children and persons with disabilities without discrimination, emphasizing the need for gender inclusion and sustainability.

David Lony Majak is a commentator on street children and a human rights activist. He can be reached via email: delonymajak7@gmail.com

The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.