HIGHLIGHTS
The latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) report capturing the dire food security situation in South Sudan was released on 27th May. The report shows serious deterioration in the food security situation in South Sudan and stated that an estimated 3.8 million people are currently severely hungry, expected to increase to 4.6 million by the end of July, affecting 40% of the population. This is the highest number of people at crisis or emergency levels of food insecurity since the start of the conflict in December 2013. Most of those affected are located in the three conflict-affected states of the Greater Upper Nile region and most parts of the Greater Bahr el Gazal.
Child malnutrition also continues to be a concern. Malnutrition rates remain above the emergency threshold of 15 per cent in both conflict-affected and high-burden states. Nearly one in three children under five are malnourished in the worst-hit areas of Greater Upper Nile, Warrup and North- ern Bahr el Ghazal.
The economic situation continues to be dire, though the depreciation of the pound seems to have halted for the time being. The urban poor who are dependent on markets for subsistence are suffering difficulty in accessing both food and water.
Fear and fighting are forcing people from their homes, preventing them from planting food crops and feeding their families. Many are missing meals and are being forced to sell their limited belongings for food. In order for the people of South Sudan to access food and other life-saving assistance, the war needs to end immediately.
In an Oxfam statement, 7.8 million hungry in South Sudan: families fractured by food scarcity and conflict , in response to the food analysis report, Oxfam South Sudan Country Director, Zlatko Gegic said: “South Sudan is spiralling into an economic free fall and people are struggling with sky-rocketing food prices and an ever-rising cost of living. The only way to address the economic crisis is to end the war, ensure long lasting peace and a start to rebuild the economy.” The UNMISS Mandate was renewed on 28 May, strengthened on points that Oxfam intensively engaged on, including maintaining commitment to protection, intensifying UNMISS presence throughout the country and other key humanitarian issues.