The Lost Boys of Sudan

photograph by Sebastiao Salgado
Why are the boys here?  The government and others tried to force young boys to fight in the civil war that was raging on in the southern Sudan (from 1983 to 2005). Because of this, boys are sent away from their families at a young age to hide. They can frequently be seen travelling in groups together. Refugees to another place.

Many young children lost their families due to the war. The "Lost Boys of Sudan" is the name given to the more than 27,000 boys of a single ethnic group who were displaced or orphaned during that civil war. So many lives and future lives effected.

This photo is very emotional.The lightning gives it a sort of eerie feel until you look at the faces of these young boys and the pain behind each expression. Salgado tells us that this was a common sight while he was traveling. Quite a sight to see.


Salgado, Sebastião. Photograph. "Migrations: Humanity in Transition." 4 February 2010.
---. Pamphlet. "Southern Sudan, A Population in Distress." Migrations: Humanity In Transition. New York, Aperture. 2000. 15-16. Print.

"The Lost Boys of Sudan". Wikipedia. 4 Feb 2010