HIGHLIGHTS
On 14 August, UNHCR completed the distribution of emergency relief items to some 25,000 IDPs, many of whom lost almost everything they had in recent violence, in Western Equatoria State (South Sudan). The aid operation targeted nearly 5,000 vulnerable families who were driven from their homes in Maridi town in early June when conflict between cattle keepers and farmers triggered ethnic violence, in which at least 14 people were killed and property was destroyed. UNHCR conducted focus group discussions with the affected population to understand the needs on the grounds and engaged the population on protection themes. Displaced South Sudanese told UNHCR that they needed shelters, food, education for their children and farm tools. Family tracing and creation of conditions conducive for return were the main protection priorities raised by the population.