Widespread attacks against civilians persist across South Sudan, driven primarily by subnational armed violence involving community-based militias and/or civil defense groups, according to the latest quarterly brief by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). 

Between January and March 2024, UNMISS documented 240 incidents of violence affecting 913 civilians nationwide, of which 468 were killed, 328 injured, 70 abducted and 47 subjected to conflict related sexual violence. This represents a 24 percent increase in the number of violent incidents (from 194 to 240) compared to the same period in 2023.

Inter/intra-communal violence by community-based militias and/or civil defense groups remains the primary source of subnational violence, accounting for 87 percent of victims (796 individuals) documented across South Sudan.  Civilians in Warrap State suffered the highest rates of violence, accounting for 37 percent of total civilian victims nationwide, followed by Jonglei and Eastern Equatoria States.

On a positive note, the number of documented abductions decreased by 30 percent (from 100 to 70), compared to the fourth quarter of 2023, and documented incidents of conflict-related sexual violence decreased by 25 percent (from 63 to 47).

Nationwide trends of violence involving the conventional parties to the conflict remained relatively low during the reporting period. However, military operations and activities involving Government security forces and organized armed groups and their respective proxy armed elements continue to place civilians at risk, predominantly in parts of Central Equatoria State.

“We cannot emphasize enough the urgent need for collective action by national, state and local authorities, as well as community leaders and national politicians, to resolve longstanding grievances peacefully, especially as South Sudan approaches its first elections,” said Nicholas Haysom, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of UNMISS. “Building a culture of human rights is fundamental to achieving sustainable security, peace, and democracy.”

UNMISS continues to protect civilians across the country with thousands of peacekeeping patrols conducted by land, air, and boat. The Mission also helps bring communities together to reconcile and build peace through dialogue. Additionally, UNMISS continues to actively support political and peace processes, including security and justice sector reform, constitution-making, and preparations for elections.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).

Fifteen months since the beginning of the armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, millions of people do not have access to essential services like food, water, and healthcare. Nearly a quarter of the country’s population have fled their homes and lost their livelihoods while months of fighting have taken a heavy toll on civilian infrastructure.

“The humanitarian situation in towns like Al Fasher, where people have been trapped in fighting for months, is critical,” said Pierre Dorbes, the head of the delegation of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sudan. “Some areas of the country are not even reachable by phone, which makes it nearly impossible to operate. Meanwhile, throughout the country, the Sudanese Red Crescent Society volunteers have been working at great personal risk.”

Millions of Sudanese civilians struggle to access the basics for survival like water points and agricultural land. Fighting and displacement have forced farmers to miss planting seasons. This, combined with rising food prices, is leaving many families to go without enough to eat. 

The rules of international humanitarian law are clear: civilians and civilian objects, including infrastructure and agricultural land, are protected. The ICRC speaks directly the parties to the conflict about their obligations to ensure that people living in the territories under their control can meet essential needs, including adequate food and water supply.

In the first half of 2024, the ICRC, often in partnership with the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS) has been providing emergency assistance and helping improve access to essential services. However, difficult access, including deteriorating security and administrative challenges, continue to hamper humanitarian relief efforts.

“What we managed to do in the past six months is very little compared to the vast suffering we see every day,” Mr. Dorbes said. “People urgently need more help, and we call on the parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law and to do everything in their power to improve humanitarian access.”

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC).

Continued violence in Sudan, particularly Sennar state, is anticipated to drive 130,000 additional people to the eastern state of Gedaref over the next few days, which already holds over 650,000 people displaced from different parts of Sudan in addition to more than 25,000 people from Ethiopia in Tuneidbah camp alone. The International Rescue Committee is scaling up its response in Gedaref to meet the ever increasing humanitarian needs of the displaced population. Resources in the displacement camps in Gedaref are already severely strained, with a lack of proper shelter, healthcare as well as  water and sanitation, especially when the camps are already hosting IDPs from previous security events and subsequent displacement.

Eatizaz Yousif, IRC Sudan Country Director said;

“In Gedaref, resources are already strained, as people continue to arrive from different parts of Sudan, severely traumatized after fleeing conflict, often needing basic services such as medical care, food and shelter. IRC is scaling up our work in Gedaref by providing basic items such as hygiene kits, ‘dignity kits’ which include items such as sanitary pads for women as well as medical services.

“In our Sudan Crisis alert released last month, we warned about the need to tilt the scales towards peace in Sudan, not more war. Just a month later, we are seeing the human and tragic impact of continued fighting. Without enhanced diplomatic efforts to help secure a ceasefire, Sudan risks being further torn apart by the conflict, with dire implications for millions of civilians, and regional security. Sudan is already the world’s worst displacement crisis and is rapidly becoming the world’s worst hunger crisis as well. In areas overtaken by violence, even for those that choose to remain, there are no resources available as markets, homes and shops are looted.

“As the rainy season starts, we fear the worst if adequate resources to fortify shelter and provide aid are not met – shockingly, half way into the year, the Sudan humanitarian response plan for 2024 is only 18% funded, meaning millions of people will be without critical, life-saving aid if world leaders do not step up to provide adequate funding. The world cannot continue to turn a blind eye to the crisis in Sudan.” 

The IRC has adapted and scaled up our programming in Sudan to address increased humanitarian needs. We are supporting people who have been displaced internally through economic empowerment services, health and nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene programs. The IRC also provides protection and empowerment services for women and children, including gender-based violence survivors in Blue Nile, Gedaref, White Nile and Khartoum states. We have established offices in new regions, including Port Sudan, and are in the process of launching an emergency response in River Nile state to deliver cash assistance, safe water, and sanitation and hygiene services to vulnerable communities. We are also working on resuming work in South Kordofan state to deliver cash assistance and on establishing a presence in new locations to address gaps in humanitarian coverage and expand our programming in response to the enduring humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The IRC is also working in Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia, and Uganda to support refugees from Sudan. To learn more about IRC’s programming in Sudan, go here.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of International Rescue Committee (IRC) .

In a major step towards strengthening health security in the African Region, the World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Office for Africa (AFRO) has established an Emergency Preparedness&Response Technical Advisory Group (EPR-TAG). This independent body serves as the principal advisory group to WHO AFRO for strategic guidance on all matters pertaining to public health emergency preparedness and response.

The EPR Technical Advisory Group will play a critical role in supporting WHO African Member States to fortify health security in the face of diverse emergencies. Countries in the WHO African Region experience over 100 health emergencies annually which disrupt the economy and prosperity of communities and weaken already fragile health systems. With climate change and conflict aggravating more than half of Africa’s health emergencies, the next pandemic is not just a possibility, it’s imminent. It is imperative, now more than ever, to enhance the Emergency Preparedness and Response capabilities within the Region.

Composed of 16 distinguished experts (details below) from diverse fields like epidemiology, public health, global health, vaccinology, paediatrics, nutrition, internal medicine, infectious diseases, programme management, health-care administration, health economics, health communication, sociology, the EPR-TAG advises the WHO AFRO Regional Director on key issues. These include assessing the regional context of infectious diseases and other public health emergencies; conducting horizon scanning for new and emerging threats; providing strategic guidance on preparedness, response, and recovery strategies; reviewing progress in implementing regional health security initiatives; and strengthening country ownership and decision-making in emergency response.

The EPR-TAG is chaired by Dr Deo Nshimirimana, a retired WHO medical doctor renowned for his expertise in immunization in emergency settings. Assisting him is Dr Rebecca Martin, Vice President of Global Health and Director of the Emory Global Health Institute, appointed as the Vice-Chairperson. Dr Martin brings decades of experience in health security, emergency response and immunization. Both leaders bring a wealth of experience in public health and will guide the EPR-TAG for an initial three-year term. “The opportunity to lead the EPR-TAG is a great honour, and I am thrilled to be part of this transformative team. I am confident that our collective expertise will significantly contribute to enhancing Africa’s preparedness and response capabilities, ensuring a more resilient defence against ongoing and future health threats. Together, we can make a substantial impact on the well-being of African nations.” – Dr Deo Nshimirimana.

Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, commented on the establishment of the EPR-TAG, stating: “The Emergency Preparedness&Response technical group will play a critical role in strengthening our capacity, working collectively with partners, to support countries to prepare for, respond to, recover from public health emergencies while continuing to provide essential health care, across the African Region. I look forward, with our team, to leveraging its diverse expertise and independent perspective, for the benefit of our Member States.”

The inaugural meeting of this prestigious group is taking place in Saly, Senegal from 16 to 17 July 2024. This gathering marks a historic moment as the EPR-TAG begins its journey to enhance health security across the African region. The establishment of the EPR-TAG underlines WHO AFRO’s commitment to building a stronger, more resilient African Region prepared to face any public health challenge. With its expert guidance and collaborative approach, the EPR-TAG will play a vital role in protecting the health and well-being of millions of people across the continent.

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of WHO Regional Office for Africa.