A $5 Million Pledge to UNICEF in South Sudan
South Korea has committed $5 million to UNICEF to support resilience programmes for children and families in South Sudan, amid conflict, climate shocks and economic instability. UNICEF said the one-year funding is designed to shore up essential services while helping communities cope with repeated disruptions.
Humanitarian Needs: Millions of Children Affected
UNICEF describes South Sudan as facing one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises. Around 10 million people, including 5.3 million children, are assessed to need assistance, reflecting the scale of vulnerability across households and public services.
Education indicators highlight the pressure. UNICEF says 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.
Education Support: Resilience and Inclusive Learning
UNICEF said education support will include school-based resilience initiatives and early childhood development. The focus is to help children access safe and inclusive learning environments, including those who are out of school or over age and may need tailored pathways back into learning.
Nutrition Assistance for Under-Fives and Mothers
Nutrition programming will target children under five suffering from severe malnutrition, UNICEF said. The agency also plans nutritional counselling for pregnant and breastfeeding women, linking immediate support to longer-term prevention as malnutrition continues to affect large numbers of young children.
WASH Programmes: Safe Water and Emergency Sanitation
Water, sanitation and hygiene interventions will provide access to safe drinking water in crisis-affected areas, UNICEF said. The package includes the construction and rehabilitation of emergency sanitation facilities, a priority in locations where displacement and climate shocks can quickly overwhelm basic infrastructure.
Child Protection: GBV Services and Youth Support
UNICEF said child protection components will aim to improve access to gender-based violence prevention and response services for women and girls. Young people are also set to receive mental health and psychosocial support, reintegration services and livelihood opportunities.
What UNICEF and Seoul Say About the Funding
“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 (UNICEF). She also urged 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 (UNICEF).
A Steady Donor Role in Humanitarian Response
UNICEF noted that South Korea is a regular contributor to international humanitarian responses, providing assistance to countries affected by conflict and natural disasters. In South Sudan, the new funding is framed as a time-bound but targeted boost aimed at reinforcing systems under sustained strain.