Juba: A UN expert raised the alarm Thursday about a sharp rise in conflict-related trafficking in South Sudan, warning of severe effects on children and widespread abuses. “Continuing conflict has created a dire humanitarian crisis, with widespread attacks on civilians by armed actors having a disproportionate impact on children and creating an alarming child trafficking crisis,” said Siobhan Mullally, the special rapporteur on trafficking in persons.

According to Anadolu Agency, Mullally highlighted that displacement and restricted humanitarian access are exacerbating risks, with 1.4 million people fleeing the conflict in Sudan, adding to 1.9 million internally displaced in South Sudan. She emphasized that conflict-related sexual violence has become normalized, with girls trafficked into sexual slavery and subjected to forced pregnancies, while boys are forcibly recruited into armed groups.

Mullally warned that survivors face major barriers to care, noting that abductions for sexual slavery, forced recruitment, child and forced marriage, and sexual exploitation are grave violations of international law that may amount to war crimes and crimes against humanity. She stressed the urgent need for justice measures and stronger protection for victims, stating, “Impunity must end.”