A UN expert in Geneva has expressed grave concern over the worsening trafficking crisis linked to escalating conflict in South Sudan, warning that ongoing violence is driving a severe humanitarian emergency. According to the Special Rapporteur on trafficking in persons, especially women and girls, persistent attacks on civilians by armed groups are disproportionately affecting children and contributing to a rapidly growing child trafficking crisis.
The situation has been further aggravated by large-scale displacement and restricted humanitarian access. The influx of 1.4 million people fleeing conflict in Sudan has added to existing pressures from 1.9 million internally displaced people in South Sudan, significantly increasing vulnerability to exploitation and trafficking.
The UN expert highlighted that conflict-related sexual violence has become increasingly normalised, with girls being trafficked into sexual slavery, forced pregnancies, and other forms of exploitation. At the same time, boys and young men are being forcibly recruited by armed groups for combat and support roles, often including direct participation in attacks on civilians.
Survivors of trafficking face severe barriers to receiving care, including lack of access to medical and psychosocial support, high costs, insecurity, stigma, and fear of retaliation. Weak institutional capacity, particularly within key government ministries responsible for gender and health services, is further limiting recovery and protection efforts for victims.
The expert warned that practices such as abductions, forced recruitment, child and forced marriage, and sexual exploitation constitute serious violations of international law that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. However, widespread impunity and lack of access to justice continue to fuel the crisis, with few survivors able to seek accountability or legal redress.
Armed groups on all sides of the conflict are reportedly involved, underscoring the need for urgent security sector reform and a credible peace process. The UN expert stressed that ending impunity is essential and called for the swift operationalisation of the African Union–mandated Hybrid Court, along with the establishment of truth and reparations mechanisms.
The report also emphasized the need for survivor-centred responses, including medical care, psychosocial support, protection from reprisals, and reintegration services for victims of trafficking, forced recruitment, and sexual exploitation.
