Geneva, 04 November 2015
1. Brief description of the emergency and impact
South Sudan continues to suffer from recurring and deteriorating humanitarian crises. Chronic conflict and insecurity situations, drought and elevated food insecurity in the country are still massive and have greatly contributed to continued high levels of humanitarian need and protracted displacement of vulnerable people. More than 2.29 million people have fled their homes since the fighting broke out in December 2013, with over 1.65 million displaced inside South Sudan and more than 630’000 refugees in the neighbouring countries. In South Sudan, more than 184,000 people are currently sheltering in the Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites in UN bases. However, nearly 90% percent of IDPs are living outside the PoCs sites. In September 2015, displaced people in Unity State continue to arrive in Nyal, Mayom and Bentiu in search of assistance and protection, while in Upper Nile State, the influx of people from the Western bank to Malakal PoC site continued. In the Equatorias, continued clashes and insecurity in the areas of Wonduruba and Mundri forced civilians to flee their homes. Though both the government and the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) in Opposition have recently signed a Compromise Peace Agreement to end the conflict that erupted in 2013, it is still observed that the humanitarian situation continue to worsen due to severe food insecurity, malnutrition, floods, drought, ethnic hostilities, severe insecurity and hyperinflation. The conflict continues to negatively impact the country’s economy as sustainable development is now virtually at a standstill leaving about 4.6 million of the population mainly women and children in need of urgent lifesaving humanitarian assistance and protection.
2. Why is an ACT response needed?
Currently, 34% of the population are in a severe food & nutrition insecurity since they are unable to meet their food needs. Especially in Unity State Counties of Leer, Guit, Koch & Mayendit, estimated 30’000 people are experiencing catastrophe and data from Bentiu Protection of Civilians sites shows Global Acute Malnutrition. The Greater Equatoria region for the first time is experiencing deteriorating food security & livelihood situation due to market disruption, economic downturn, insecurity & localized crop failure. Without immediate response, the current situation might escalate into famine. Also with the recently signed Peace Agreement, about 1.5 million IDPs and 632’000 South Sudanese refugees are expected to return to their respective homes, which will require humanitarian assistance for reintegration, restoration and promotion of their livelihoods. 4.6 million Comprising of IDPs, Returnees and People at the risk of food insecurity are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection.