Save the Children International, in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and the Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare, has launched the National Child Labour Study Report.

According to reports, nearly two-thirds of South Sudanese children surveyed aged between 5 and 17 years are engaged in the worst form of child labour, with rates soaring to as high as 90%.

 

The Study involved more than 418 households from across seven states in the country and found 64% children surveyed were engaged in the worst form of child labour, which includes forced labour, sexual exploitation and involvement in illicit activities such as stealing, drug abuse and armed conflict.

Deng Tong, Undersecretary, Ministry of Labour, Republic of South Sudan. said, during the launch event in Juba:

 

“This national study provides a critical foundation for action. We must build on this evidence to establish a national child labour database that enables continuous monitoring and informed decision-making. As the Ministry of Labour, we are at the forefront of protecting our children across the country—raising awareness that child labour is unacceptable and that education is every child’s right.

Let us now move from commitment to implementation, from promises to protection, and from words to results. Together, we can make child labour a thing of the past and give every child in South Sudan the chance to dream and to thrive.”

 

Minister of Public Service, Hon. Dak Duop Bichiok, who was representing the Minister of Labour, said:

“This study has given us the evidence we need to reform policies, strengthen protection systems and ensure that every child in South Sudan enjoys their right to education, safety and a childhood free from exploitation.”

 

Save the Children’s South Sudan Country Director Chris Nyamandi said:

“When nearly two-thirds of a country’s children are working—and in some areas, almost every child—it signals a crisis that goes beyond poverty.

“Education remains the strongest protective factor, with children who attend school far less likely to be engaged in exploitative labour.

 

This shows the incredible value of education in South Sudan. Equally, the report highlights that children from food-secure households and educated caregivers face significantly lower risk, underscoring the link between poverty reduction and child protection.

 

“If we strengthen education, rebuild livelihoods, and prioritise child protection, we can reverse this trend. Every child deserves the chance to learn and thrive—not to work to survive.”

Barbara Egger, European Union Representative, said:

“Every child deserves the chance to learn, grow, and become a leader of tomorrow. The European Union stands proudly with the children of South Sudan, the Government, and our partners, including Save the Children, to close legal and policy gaps, strengthen education and social protection, and ensure no child is left behind.

 

Together, we are turning commitments into action, so that every girl and boy in South Sudan can realise the future they rightfully deserve.”

According to the report, boys are more often exposed to hazardous and military-related labour, while girls face heightened risks of domestic work, child marriage, and exploitation.