Juba, South Sudan: The exclusion of older persons remains a growing concern in South Sudan, as many elderly citizens continue to live in extreme poverty, struggle to access healthcare, and face neglect in both humanitarian aid and community participation.
According to Yangi Justine the Acting Executive Director of Care for Elderly Community Organization (CECO), a national non-governmental organization advocating for the rights and welfare of older people, many elderly citizens depend entirely on relatives for daily survival a situation worsened by years of conflict and displacement that have eroded traditional family structures.
“In many communities, older individuals are left behind during emergencies, overlooked in aid distribution, and seen as ‘less productive.’ This exclusion not only harms their physical well-being but also damages their dignity and sense of belonging,” She said.
During one of the organization’s visits to a displacement camp, CECO discovered several elderly persons left behind by their families due to poor health conditions. “They were living alone, struggling to access food, medicine, and basic care,” the organization reported.
The most pressing unmet needs of older persons include accessible healthcare, nutritious food, safe shelter, and psychosocial support. Many live with chronic illnesses such as hypertension, diabetes, and arthritis but rarely receive medical check-ups or essential medication. Assistive devices like eyeglasses, walking sticks, and wheelchairs are also scarce.
Social isolation is another hidden burden. “Many older individuals experience loneliness, neglect, and depression without adequate emotional or social support,” Yangi noted.
To address these challenges, CECO has partnered with the Center for Peace and Development (CPD) to provide psychosocial support to older persons and young people being raised by their grandparents.
As part of this collaboration, the two organizations recently conducted a Gender-Based Violence (GBV) training in Yei, targeting older persons and youth. The training revealed deep gaps in awareness. “Many of the older participants said it was their first time learning about GBV. Some shared that they had experienced abuse within their families but thought it was normal,” the executive director noted.
“Protecting and empowering older persons is not only a moral responsibility but also a measure of our humanity as a society,” Ms. Justine emphasized.
The organization is calling on humanitarian agencies, local authorities, and the wider community to ensure that older people are not left behind in aid programs and national development plans.