UNICEF: Southern Sudan needs focus on children’s issues
Decades of Sudan's civil war, ended by the 2005 Comprehensive Peace Agreement, have devastated the infrastructure in Southern Sudan, according to UNICEF. Thousands of children have been left without access to schools, basic health care and clean water.
In addition, one out of every seven children in Southern Sudan dies before his or her fifth birthday; only about 10 per cent of children are fully vaccinated; and less than 50 per cent of all children receive five years of primary education.
"We need to confront the current glaring realities of deprivation," said Ms. Johnson. "Now is the time to act to deliver on our commitments for the children of Southern Sudan. The key for their future lies with us."
During her visit, which also included stops in Darfur and Abyei, Ms.
Johnson met with the President of Southern Sudan Salva Kiir and other senior officials, and visited children's programmes in Unity State.
While highlighting the gains that have been made – such as increasing
school enrolment and developing laws to protect the rights of children – she stressed the need for greater investment in social services, infrastructure and human resources to ensure progress for the children of Southern Sudan.