The Issue
South Sudan remains one of the world’s most complex humanitarian crises, with 9.3 million people, 77% of the population, projected to need humanitarian assistance in 2025. The compounding effects of prolonged conflict, sub-national violence, flooding, hyperinflation, and insecurity have devastated livelihoods and restricted access to essential services. A critical but often under-addressed dimension of this crisis is the extensive contamination from explosive ordnance (EO). Decades of conflict have left 21.4 million m² of land contaminated, predominantly in Central and Greater Equatoria, areas vital for agriculture and returnee resettlement. This contamination obstructs access to farmland, water, healthcare, education, and humanitarian aid, while impeding safe returns for over one million refugees. More than 620,000 people are currently at risk of EO-related injury or death, with six counties classified as “catastrophic” due to high levels of hazardous areas.
Despite progress in clearance and risk education, gaps persist due to limited access, ongoing insecurity, and incomplete data. In 2024 alone, 16 EO accidents were recorded, with children particularly vulnerable. The need for targeted, innovative, and community-driven humanitarian mine action, particularly explosive ordnance risk education (EORE) and non-technical surveys (NTS), is critical to reduce risks, support safe returns, and enable long-term recovery and development.
The Project
To address the risks posed by explosive ordnance (EO) and strengthen social cohesion, DCA is implementing a comprehensive approach combining education, community engagement, and victim support. Through tailored EORE sessions, over 23,000 children and adults will receive life-saving information, empowering them to identify, avoid, and report EO threats. Community consultations ensure activities are locally relevant and based on real needs.
DCA trains 400 Community Focal Points and 600 Peer-Risk Educators to reinforce safety messaging and ensure sustainability. Creative tools such as drama clubs, wall murals, and talent shows engage youth in disseminating messages, while radio broadcasts expand the reach to remote areas. Sport for Peace events further foster inclusion and conflict resolution. Finally, the project strengthens victim referral pathways to ensure timely access to services. This multi-layered, participatory approach ensures lasting impact and contributes to safer, more resilient communities in EO-affected areas.
The Change
Through targeted and inclusive EORE, the project will significantly reduce the risk of EO-related accidents in Magwi County. A total of 23,000 individuals (6,000 girls, 7,500 boys, 4,750 women, 4,750 men) will gain life-saving knowledge and adopt safer behaviours through school and community-based EORE sessions. 400 Community Focal Points (CFPs) and 600 Peer Risk Educators (PREs) will be trained to sustain and expand messaging within their schools and communities. Awareness will be amplified through 6 radio broadcasts, 10 drama clubs, 10 EORE wall murals, and 2 Talent Shows, engaging youth in creative and culturally relevant ways. Community cohesion and inclusion will be fostered through 2 Sport for Peace events. EO victim support will be improved by strengthening referral pathways through stakeholder coordination and protection mainstreaming.
The combined participatory and community-led approaches will increase reporting of EO hazards, facilitate future clearance, and embed EO risk education into everyday life, contributing to a safer, more resilient, and peaceful community. Changes in knowledge and behaviour will be measured through baseline and endline surveys, complemented by a case study and visual documentation to highlight project impact.
About the project
Full Title: Enabling a safe future through EORE in South Sudan
Timeline: January 2025 to December 2025
Partner: Self-implemented
Amount: USD 159,486
DCA Theme: Saving Lives
Number of people reached: 23,000
Donor: Welt ohne Minen
