HIGHLIGHTS IN SOUTH SUDAN
Refugees from several camps across South Sudan expressed their concern to UNHCR about the upcoming 30 per cent reduction in WFP food rations, due to start in August. Many fear such a measure would prevent them from purchasing other essential commodities. In June and July, UNHCR and WFP jointly reached out to the communities to convey the message and are now in discussions to ensure the food needs of the most vulnerable individuals in the most food-insecure areas are met, even if the reductions take place.
Continuing armed attacks on vehicles on the Juba-Yei road are hampering humanitarian operations and forcing UNHCR and partners to use the much longer route from Juba via Uganda. Some transport companies have suspended services. Aid agencies say thousands of civilians in Upper Nile State face starvation due to Government restrictions on barges; UNHAS flights to Malakal are still suspended.