South Korea has committed $5 million to UNICEF to support resilience programs for children and families in South Sudan, as the country grapples with conflict, climate shocks and economic instability.
The one-year funding will support education, child protection, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene programs, UNICEF said Monday.
South Sudan faces one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises, with about 10 million people — including 5.3 million children — in need of assistance.
More than 2.8 million school-age children are out of school, while food insecurity is worsening, with over 7 million people expected to face acute hunger by mid-2026. More than 2 million children under the age of five are affected by malnutrition.
UNICEF said the funding will focus on strengthening systems that can withstand ongoing instability and extreme climate events.
Education support will include school-based resilience and early childhood development programs aimed at helping children — including those who are out of school or over age — access safe and inclusive learning environments.
Nutrition assistance will target children under five suffering from severe malnutrition, while pregnant and breastfeeding women will receive nutritional counseling.
Water and sanitation programs will provide access to safe drinking water in crisis-affected areas, including the construction and rehabilitation of emergency sanitation facilities.
Child protection programs will focus on improving access to gender-based violence prevention and response services for women and girls. Young people will also receive mental health and psychosocial support, reintegration services and livelihood opportunities.
“This significant contribution from the Republic of Korea is vital to help UNICEF respond to the immense needs of women and children while strengthening resilience,” said Noala Skinner, UNICEF’s representative in South Sudan. She called on all stakeholders to ensure humanitarian actors have unhindered access to children across the country.
Kyoo-ho Lee, director-general of South Korea’s Development Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the contribution reflects South Korea’s “enduring solidarity with the people of South Sudan” and its commitment to children’s survival, safety and access to essential services.
South Korea is a regular contributor to international humanitarian responses, providing assistance to countries affected by conflict and natural disasters.