JUBA, Aug. 16 (Xinhua) -- A senior official of the UN population fund, UNFPA on Wednesday called on South Sudan to increase investment in the youth by offering education, health and employment opportunities in order to solve the social, economic and political challenges facing the country.
Wilfred Ochan, Assistant Country Representative of UNFPA South Sudan said youth empowerment is critical in ending economic vulnerability, early marriage and violence over resources.
"Youth and young people are the pillars of peace and development for this country therefore, investing in youth now and mobilizing their participation in peace and other development process will ensure a socioeconomic transformation and a peaceful democratic society in South Sudan," Ochan said.
The official said that the country has one of the highest child marriage and teenage pregnancy rates in the world, warning that if the trend continues, more young people would become poorer and vulnerable.
Citing a recent survey, Ochan said 40 percent of South Sudanese girls get married by the age of 18, 20 percent of girls drop out of education due to pregnancy.
He urged the government to fast track the development of the much-awaited youth policy to provide a roadmap for innovation and development.
"For every 1,000 children born in this country, 300 of them are born to young girls below the age of 19. Thirty percent of all new HIV infections in the country is inflicting young people in the age of 15-24. How can we involve them in peace and dialogue when they are wasted away?" Ochan said.
Ochan said UNFPA remains committed to support efforts of South Sudanese government and civil society groups to develop the country's young people.
Deng Deng Hoc, Education Minister for General Education said 72 percent of South Sudan's population is made of youth and lack of employment opportunities and poverty has made them vulnerable to manipulation by the elites to engage in violence.
"As the majority of the population; your contribution is needed, your contribution must be significant and your contribution is key to developing the country. So channel your energies to the development of South Sudan," Hoc said.
