The one-year funding will support critical interventions in education, child protection, nutrition, and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), targeting some of the country’s most vulnerable populations.

South Sudan is facing overlapping humanitarian crises, with an estimated 10 million people — including 5.3 million children — in need of humanitarian assistance, according to UNICEF. The country is also grappling with a severe education crisis, with more than 2.8 million school-age children out of school.

At the same time, food insecurity and malnutrition continue to worsen. More than seven million people are expected to face acute food insecurity by mid-2026, while over two million children under the age of five are affected by malnutrition.

The funding aims to strengthen systems and programmes that can withstand ongoing volatility, including extreme climate events. School-based resilience and holistic education programmes will support both in-school and out-of-school children, including over-age learners, to access safe and inclusive education and early childhood development services.

UNICEF said life-saving nutrition services will target children under five suffering from severe malnutrition, while pregnant and breastfeeding women will receive nutritional counselling and support.

WASH interventions will focus on improving access to safe drinking water in crisis-affected areas, alongside the construction and rehabilitation of emergency sanitation facilities for children and women.

The funding will also support comprehensive protection services for women and girls, including improved access to gender-based violence prevention and response programmes. Young people will benefit from mental health and psychosocial support, reintegration services, and livelihood opportunities.

UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Noala Skinner, welcomed the contribution, describing it as critical to addressing urgent needs while building long-term resilience.

“This significant contribution from the Republic of Korea is vital to help UNICEF meet the large humanitarian needs of women and children and strengthen resilience,” Skinner said. “It will enable UNICEF to provide not only immediate relief but also to invest in sustainable programmes for health, protection, and education. Investing in the well-being of South Sudan’s children is an investment in the nation’s future peace and stability.”

She called on all stakeholders to facilitate unhindered access to children in need to ensure effective delivery of life-saving services.

The Republic of Korea said the contribution reflects its continued solidarity with the people of South Sudan.

“We are proud to partner with UNICEF in delivering life-saving services to the most vulnerable children in South Sudan,” said Kyoo-ho Lee, Director-General of the Development Cooperation Bureau at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

“This contribution underscores our commitment to children’s survival, safety, and access to education, protection, nutrition, and clean water in times of crisis.”

South Korea is a long-standing contributor to international humanitarian assistance, providing targeted support to countries affected by conflict and emergencies.