South Sudanese fear for their lives, says UN

“Let me be clear: people in South Sudan are not just fleeing their homes because they need food, shelter or medical care and school for their children,” said O’Brien in New York. “They are fleeing because they fear for their lives. We must protect them, and we must save their lives.”

The humanitarian situation in the country has witnessed significant deterioration, including in areas that were previously relatively stable. Since December 2013, morew than 2million people have fled their homes. Some 1.6 million are displaced within South Sudan and more than 900 000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.

The situation has worsened since clashes between rival forces erupted in and around the capital, Juba, on July 7, close to the fifth anniversary of the country’s independence.

UN compounds and civilian protection sites managed by the UN Mission in South Sudan were attacked during the fighting. According to the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Ra’ad Al Hussein, a preliminary UN investigation into the recent fighting and its aftermath revealed that government security forces carried out killings and rapes, and looted and destroyed properties.

In the past month 70000 South Sudanese have crossed the border into Uganda as refugees. Some 4.8 million people across the country are facing food insecurity and 250 000 children are severely malnourished.

To add to the suffering, the country is also battling a cholera outbreak. In the course of his visit, O’Brien travelled to Wau and Aweil, two places that were not long ago considered beacons of hope.

Now, Wau is mired in severe conflict and Aweil is suffering its worst food insecurity in years. – ANA