Situation in Numbers
46,000* People internally displaced in various places within Wau town 35,000* People internally displaced outside of Wau town
*Figures from OCHA Note: these are estimates, as registration of IDPs continues.
Highlights
Distribution of food and non-food items is expected to start on the 30th June, pending registration of internally displaced persons (IDPs).
Sexual harassment is a major concern in the Protection of Civilian (POC) site, to be addressed as a matter of urgency.
Synergies are being developed across programmes, with nutrition screening included in immunization activities. Education and Child Protection staff are working hand-in-hand to identify useful areas of convergence.
Preparations are underway for measles vaccination campaign due to commence on 1 July.
Humanitarian Overview
On Friday 24th June, the dismissal of the incumbent Governor of Wau by the President led to instability in the town, with fighting breaking out between the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) and youth associated with the opposition. There have been reports of civilian casualties and loss of life; investigations are ongoing. As of 29th June, the situation in Wau town is reportedly stable.
Although registration of internally displaced persons (IDPs) is ongoing, there are an estimated 46,000 IDPs within Wau town, with around 12,000 people at the UNMISS Protection of Civilian (POC) site. The population of the POC continues to increase, and there is a continued influx of IDPs to Wau town. Meanwhile, a further 35,000 are thought to have fled to the Greater Baggari Area to the south and southwest of the town.
Staff on the ground report that children are suffering from high levels of malnutrition and dehydration; as a result, many women and children are seeking primary health care.
Humanitarian Leadership and Coordination
A UNICEF nutrition specialist has been deployed to coordinate Nutrition cluster partners. UNICEF continues to lead the WASH cluster, with additional support being provided to the response in Health, Education, and Child Protection, although UNHCR arrived in Wau on June 29th to take the lead on the Protection Cluster. A senior Emergency Specialist continues on deployment in Wau to coordinate the response, and OCHA has deployed an Area Humanitarian Coordinator to Wau. By 1 July, a total of 12 UNICEF staff will have been deployed to Wau. Government staff present in IDP camps with expertise on health, education, nutrition, and water are being identified to support programme implementation.