Child Friendly Space in Gorom Camp, Juba

South Sudan: Emergency Relief, Protection From Sexual and Gender-based Violence and, Market Systems Development

In action for over 50 years

13.03.2026

Since 1972, Caritas Switzerland has been active in the East African region in close partnership with local communities and organizations. Today, the work of Caritas Switzerland in South Sudan focuses on Humanitarian Action, Development, and Peace (Nexus approach), Emergency Relief, Community Development, and Market Systems Development (MSD).

Caritas has been working in South Sudan for over 50 years, starting in 1972 as part of an ecumenical consortium delivering development aid in Eastern Equatoria State. It co-founded the Sudan Forum in Switzerland to advocate for peace during the civil war. In 2006, Caritas opened its Torit office to address urgent needs in food security, and education, later expanding to other states.

How we Foster Sustainable Development in South Sudan

The country team of 17 specialists based in Juba covers Nexus programming, humanitarian aid, livelihoods, capacity building, MSD, and Monitoring, Evaluation, Accountability, and Learning (MEAL). Caritas Switzerland is fully registered as an international NGO with South Sudan’s Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, ensuring compliance and strong local engagement.

Long-standing Presence in East Africa

Caritas Switzerland has a long-standing presence in East Africa, with experienced teams and trusted partners in South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda. It has successfully implemented cross-border projects between South Sudan and Uganda and plans to expand this approach, particularly for Triple Nexus and MSD programming.

A regional strategy is essential as Uganda hosts Africa’s largest refugee population, with South Sudan and Ethiopia equally facing high numbers of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs). Developments in one country often have immediate effects across the region, which shares common challenges such as resource management, conflict risks, environmental degradation, and protection of people on the move.

From 2026 onward, Caritas Switzerland aims to strengthen regional cooperation by sharing resources, expertise, and learning opportunities across its regional presence. This will enable regional strategies, cross-country exchanges, documentation of best practices, and improved efficiency, ensuring a strong and high-quality portfolio across East Africa.

Strong Partnerships and Networks in South Sudan

Caritas Switzerland implements most projects through local partner organizations closely connected to communities, authorities, and extension services. To ensure participation, project teams maintain regular dialogue with target communities and engage community mobilizers, such as hygiene promoters, in implementation.

Using a multi-stakeholder approach, Caritas fosters collaboration with local authorities, community representatives, NGOs, government, and private sector actors to create synergies and enhance sustainability. Knowledge and skills transfer strengthens local capacities, ensures that practices continue beyond project completion and reduces dependency on external aid.

Caritas actively participates in coordination platforms such as the NGO Forum, the Partnerships for Recovery and Resilience (PfRR), and thematic clusters on security, cash assistance, and food security. It also maintains regular engagement with government institutions like the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission and collaborates with peer NGOs for learning and joint initiatives.

Our main donors: Swiss Agency for Development and Cooperation (SDC), Canton of Geneva, EU