South Sudan faces a severe protection crisis, with civilians at high risk from conflict, displacement, gender-based violence, and climate-related shocks, while UNMISS and humanitarian actors work to safeguard vulnerable populations.

Current Protection Context

South Sudan is experiencing escalating violence, political deadlock, and humanitarian constraints, severely affecting civilians across multiple states, including Upper Nile, Jonglei, Unity, and the Equatorias . Renewed clashes between government forces and opposition groups, intercommunal violence, and spillover from Sudan have displaced millions, with over 10 million people projected to require humanitarian assistance in 2026 . Women, children, persons with disabilities, and marginalized groups face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence, forced recruitment, exploitation, and family separation .

Humanitarian and Legal Frameworks

The South Sudan Protection Cluster coordinates protection efforts, focusing on internally displaced persons (IDPs), returnees, children, women, older persons, and minority groups . The country has ratified several regional and international treaties, including the Global Compact for Migration, but gaps remain in domestic legislation to protect civilians and address migration and displacement issues . Humanitarian access is often impeded by insecurity, attacks on aid workers, and limited infrastructure, complicating the delivery of essential services such as healthcare, education, and clean water .

Role of UNMISS and Peacekeeping

The United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) deploys around 12,000 peacekeepers to protect civilians, facilitate humanitarian aid, monitor human rights, and support the peace process . UNMISS patrols and temporary operating bases aim to deter violence, safeguard displaced populations, and maintain conditions for humanitarian operations . However, funding cuts and operational constraints have reduced patrols and monitoring capacity, leaving some areas more vulnerable . India remains a significant contributor to UN peacekeeping missions, including in South Sudan .

Key Protection Challenges

• Conflict-related violence: Extrajudicial killings, abductions, sexual violence, and attacks on civilian infrastructure remain widespread .
• Displacement: Over 456,000 individuals were newly uprooted in early 2025, with continued displacement due to intercommunal clashes and Sudanese refugees entering South Sudan .
• Child protection: Recruitment of children into armed groups persists, though some progress has been made, such as the release of children from military ranks in Yambio .
• Gender-based violence: Women and girls face increased exposure to sexual violence, forced marriage, and exploitation, particularly in displacement settings .
• Climate shocks: Floods and droughts exacerbate food insecurity, destroy livelihoods, and intensify competition over resources, fueling further conflict .
• Health crises: Cholera, malaria, hepatitis E, and mpox outbreaks strain the fragile health system, with limited access to care for displaced populations .

International Recommendations

UN experts and the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan emphasize the urgent need to protect civilians, uphold the Revitalized Peace Agreement, and ensure humanitarian access . Immediate actions include cessation of hostilities, release of political detainees, protection of displaced populations, and adherence to international humanitarian and human rights law. Regional and international actors, including the African Union and IGAD, are urged to support de-escalation and strengthen protection mechanisms .

Conclusion

South Sudan's protection environment remains highly fragile, with civilians facing compounded risks from conflict, displacement, climate shocks, and systemic human rights violations. Effective protection requires coordinated efforts by UNMISS, humanitarian actors, and the government, alongside sustained international support to safeguard vulnerable populations and uphold the peace process .