Mother's Day in South Sudan is observed on the first Monday in July. This holiday was established by President Salva Kiir Mayardit in 2011, the same year South Sudan gained independence from Sudan. The first celebration took place on July 2, 2012, where children typically give their mothers small gifts and flowers. However, the significance of the day is overshadowed by the ongoing civil war that began in December 2013, which has led to serious challenges for many mothers and their children, including human rights violations and domestic violence. South Sudan has the highest maternal mortality rate in the world, exceeding 2,000 per 100,000 live births, and a high under-five infant mortality rate of over 135 per 1,000. While Mother's Day could serve as a platform to address these pressing issues, it remains largely a formality amid the ongoing struggles faced by families in the country.