Ambassador Roar Haugsdal and UNICEF Representative in South Sudan, Noala Skinner signed the agreement on November 20, 2025.
The Royal Norwegian Embassy in South Sudan and UNICEF have signed a new grant agreement to strengthen protection services for vulnerable populations, with a focus on child protection.
Under this renewed partnership, the Norwegian Embassy will provide approximately USD 4 million (40 million Norwegian Kroner) to support UNICEF’s country program in South Sudan. The one-year funding complements previous Norwegian contributions to UNICEF’s education and protection initiatives.
South Sudan continues to face a fragile protection situation, marked by conflict-related violence, large-scale displacement, and widespread human rights violations. Women and children are particularly vulnerable to gender-based violence, forced recruitment, abductions, and attacks during cattle raids and intercommunal clashes. Children face significant risks, including recruitment into armed groups, family separation, child marriages, and the denial of access to education and essential services.
Insecurity and weak rule of law continue to impede justice and accountability, leaving many violations unresolved. Humanitarian organizations such as UNICEF play a critical role in providing life-saving protection services.
The Norwegian contribution will support activities aimed at strengthening case management systems, professionalizing social services, preventing and responding to gender-based violence (GBV), and providing life-changing opportunities for children and youth through Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and access to protection.
Through this partnership, Norway and UNICEF aim to ensure that more children, adolescents, and women in South Sudan are protected from violence, exploitation, neglect, and harmful practices.
The Norwegian Ambassador to South Sudan, H.E. Roar Haugsdal, said: “UNICEF plays an essential role in safeguarding the rights and wellbeing of children and their mothers in South Sudan. Norway is proud to partner with UNICEF in building a safer and more inclusive future.”
Norway has been a long-standing supporter of UNICEF’s work in South Sudan. Previous contributions amounting to close to USD 30 million since 2017—including support to the Abyei Area—have enabled critical interventions in child protection, education, skills development, and demobilization of children from armed groups.