10 March 2016
UNICEF continues its emergency response in the aftermath of the violence in Malakal PoC and Pibor. Health and nutrition services, as well as safe water, are being provided in Malakal Town by UNICEF and partners, while key health, nutrition, child protection, education and sanitation services are on-going inside the PoC. In Pibor, UNICEF responded to the emergency needs of those seeking protection in the UNMISS base, including the provision of safe water, high energy biscuits and child protection services.
With the new academic year having started across the country, UNICEF and partners have supported 110,595 children with Education in Emergencies services. Two missions to Tong and Ding Ding in Rubkona County were undertaken where two temporary schools were opened and supplies distributed to 346 children (182 girls). Additionally, capacity development of 22 volunteer teachers and Parent-Teacher Association members was enhanced through training sessions. These two areas had been without any education services for two years.
Mine risk education is becoming an increasing priority in Malakal, but also in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria and Pibor, because of the upsurge in conflict in these areas and the resultant increased reports of new unexploded ordnances (UXOs) and subsequent injuries to children in these areas. UNICEF and partners have reached over 10,000 people with mine risk education so far this year.
Situation Overview & Humanitarian Needs
Over 2.3 million people have fled their homes in South Sudan since fighting began in December 2013. Of these, 672,097 have crossed borders into other countries. As of 3 March, the estimated number of civilians seeking safety in six Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites located on UNMISS bases is 195,343 including 124,055 in Bentiu, 40,115 in Malakal, 27,950 in Juba UN House, 2,289 in Bor, 700 in Melut and 234 in Wau.
Since the start of the year, insecurity has spread across the country, particularly in Western Bahr el Ghazal, Western Equatoria, Pibor and Malakal. In Pibor, fighting that began on 21 February has led to 2,500 IDPs seeking shelter in the UNMISS base and a temporary suspension of humanitarian services. Partners have reported increased acute watery diarrhoea in populations displaced outside Wau Town; reports show 8,000 IDPs are in need of assistance. UNICEF partners participated in a mission to Mundri West and other locations in Western Equatoria and services have resumed, though on a small scale. Security and major investment will be required to restart health and education systems across the state. UNICEF has continued efforts to support IDPs affected by fighting both in Malakal PoC and Town with WASH, nutrition, health and child protection services; education services are expected to resume in the coming days. However, humanitarian access to Wau Shilluk has not yet been granted.
The economic hardship due to the devaluation of the South Sudanese Pound and increased prices of food and water is generating anger as different sections of the population are threatening to take action in protest; on 7 March, Kapoeta town witnessed a peaceful demonstration, mainly by women and youth, over high commodity prices.