Liam Neeson, 73, says he was left ‘deeply saddened’ after ‘haunting’ visit to South Sudan where he met families facing aid funding crisis

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Liam Neeson visited South Sudan, a country struggling with war and a lack of aid, where he spent time with mothers and their children who are facing a funding crisis.

The 73-year-old Northern Irish actor, a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador, said he was deeply saddened by what he saw during his six-day visit, particularly the suffering of starving children.

Liam has expressed concern that children are being left without support after hundreds of vital treatment centers closed in South Sudan. He believes children shouldn’t be forced to cope on their own.

I’ve been seeing some lovely photos lately of this Hollywood star really connecting with people during his travels. It’s so heartwarming to see him getting involved – kicking around a football with locals, popping into schools to say hello, and genuinely taking the time to chat with mothers. It’s a beautiful reminder that even celebrities can make a real impact by simply being present and connecting with communities.

While playing football in a sports tournament hosted by the Young Dreams Foundation in Juba, Liam was wearing a UNICEF vest.

The uniform also consisted of a navy and blue hat with a lanyard. 

Liam had a great time meeting the students, even giving a fist bump to a 19-year-old named John Juda while they visited the school.

He was also pleased to join Alaak Kuku, the founder of the YDF, while observing how economic hardship, climate change, poverty, and instability affect children.

Alaak organized a weekly sports program where boys and girls could play football, basketball, and volleyball.

I recently had the privilege of visiting the Al Sabbah Children’s Hospital and meeting a wonderful mother and her three-month-old daughter. It was truly heartwarming to hear about the little one receiving her polio vaccine and to learn more about the incredible, life-saving work happening at the hospital. Seeing families benefit from these essential treatment services really underscored the importance of accessible healthcare.

He particularly liked chatting with the student reporters from St. Andrew School, who were easily recognizable in their yellow t-shirts and plaid uniforms.

Liam reported visiting the main hospital in Juba and was very upset to see so many children suffering from malnutrition.

They often seem lost in thought when they should be joyful, tired when they should be energetic, and sad when they should be happy.

‘With treatment sites closing around the country, I ask myself what will happen to those children?’

He also mentioned the YDF founder, saying that despite a difficult childhood, the founder was able to create a successful sports academy through determination and with help from organizations like UNICEF and other donors.

This is a strong reminder to never underestimate young people, no matter how difficult their circumstances may be.

In South Sudan, UNICEF helps children suffering from severe malnutrition by providing medical treatment. They also work to prevent malnutrition by improving people’s diets and giving vital supplements to pregnant women and children under the age of five.

I had the chance to meet some incredibly brave young people during my visit – individuals who’d faced really tough starts in life. They shared their personal stories with me, many having been forced into marriage too young or drawn into gangs, and it was heartbreaking to hear about the poverty and difficult childhoods they’d overcome. It really highlighted the challenges so many face and the importance of support systems.

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2025-10-27 19:53