There has been an increase of children living on the streets, according to the government and non-governmental organizations.

A new report says orphans and negligent parents have caused the increase.

According to the UNICEF’s Child Protection Specialist in South Sudan, William Kolie, there are currently about three thousand children in the streets all over the country.

“The report indicates that in 2009, there were 1,200 children in the street and in 2013 the number has increased to 3,000 – which emphasize the gravity of the problem in South Sudan in terms of children in the streets, children participation in different form of labor.

“The issue of reputation of children first and foremost is permanent responsibility of parents and second responsibility comes to the government.”

Mr. Kolie said UNICEF is supporting the government to support street children in the country.