Map of Northern Bahr el Ghazal State. (Courtesy).

Aweil North commissioner in Northern Barh el Ghazal is calling on parents to avoid raising their voices against children when explaining their failure to buy Christmas clothes – a day after a 16-year-old girl was rescued after attempting to take her life following a quarrel with her family.

Kiir Chan Wol said the incident underscores deep social and economic struggles faced by many South Sudanese families and communities.

“On Sunday, at around 6 pm, a 16-year-old girl tried to commit suicide because she did not get Christmas clothes. This is one of the incidents that happened here,” he narrated.

Commissioner Wol encouraged parents to understand and if possible – try their best to fulfill their children’s needs during the festive season.

He appeals to low-income families to avoid raising their voice on children and use polite language when explaining that they are unable to buy Christmas clothes.

“I advise all citizens here in the county, if your son or daughter asks you to buy Christmas clothes during this festival season, you should talk to them in a low voice and not a harsh voice so that they do not think of attempting suicide.”

Amid the economic hardship facing South Sudan, Christian families across the country are currently buying new clothes, decorations, and gift-giving to observe the holidays.

On Monday, a religious leader encouraged the public to avoid overspending and envy towards wealthy neighbors during the festive season to avoid family conflicts and save money for sending children to school in the new year.