UN Relief Wing Says Three Years Into Conflict, Humanitarian Needs in South Sudan Continues To Rise

Juba,

Dec 24, 2016(Nyamilepedia) —– A press release extended to Nyamilepedia press states that since fighting first erupted in South Sudan three years ago, tens of thousands have died, food insecurity and acute malnutrition are at unprecedented levels. More than three millions have been driven from their homes, the United Nations humanitarian arm has reported.

According to a humanitarian bulletin on South Sudan, issued by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), fighting and economic decline in the world’s youngest nation have also made millions of its people more susceptible to disease.

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“We are now witnessing a scale of need for assistance and protection that demands our urgent, relentless attention and action” UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, briefing the Security Council.

This year, more than 2 million cases of malaria were reported between January and November, and a cholera outbreak caused some 3,525 cases in nine locations, all figures higher than those the previous year.

Furthermore, a measles outbreak has been confirmed in Wau, Western Bahr el Ghazal state, bringing the number of country-wide outbreaks in 2016 to 13, more than twice the number in 2015 (5).

Growing insecurity

On 13 December alone, 7,046 people from South Sudan crossed the border into Uganda seeking refuge.

Many refugees leaving South Sudan reported that they left due to the deteriorating security situation, including fighting in Yei and Wonduruba areas, looting of properties, and rumours of upcoming attacks by armed actors in the Equatorias.

They also spoke of horrific abuses, including rape, abduction and killing, the bulletin mentioned.

Women and children continued to remain the most vulnerable and accounted for nearly 86 per cent of the total number reaching Uganda.

Meanwhile, civilians continue to be displaced within the country. For instance, in Western Equatoria state, there are now an estimated 28,000 people displaced from Yambio, 16,000 displaced from Ezo, and 50,000 displaced from Mundri East, Mundri West and Mvolo.

Also, more than 17,000 children are estimated to have been recruited by armed actors, including some 1,300 recruited in 2016.

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