Since 2013, South Sudan has collapsed into civil war, with widespread insecurity. Tens of thousands of people have been killed, and millions are displaced and in need of humanitarian support. A 2018 study indicated roughly 400,000 South Sudanese have been killed as a result of the breakout of war since 2013, causing 1.7 million people to be internally displaced and 2.5 million people to flee as refugees into neighbouring countries.

Nearly half the population are severely food insecure and access to basic services continues to severely decline due to conflict and poor governance. South Sudan is one of the most dangerous places in the world to be a woman or girl with an estimated 65% of women and girls experiencing physical or sexual violence. An estimated 40% of people are traumatized by the recent and historic violence with an estimated 900,000 children needing psychological support.