Facts & Figures
Since fighting erupted in December 2013:
- More than 1.61 million internally displaced people according to UN estimates
- Over 200 000 people seeking refuge at UN Mission compounds (UNMIS)
- Over 831 000 South Sudanese refugees & asylum seekers in neighbouring countries (UNHCR)
- 55 aid workers killed by warring parties (UNOCHA)
- About 4.8 million people experiencing food shortages
- Number of refugees from neighbouring countries in South Sudan: over 263 000 (UNHCR)
Other facts
- Population: officially 8.26 million, but 11.6m estimated
- Child mortality: 110/1000
- 1 in 7 children under 5 suffers from acute malnutrition
- European Commission humanitarian assistance in 2016: €103.2 million so far
Key messages
The humanitarian crisis and suffering in South Sudan have reached alarming proportions. The country ranks second in the European Commission's Global Vulnerability and Crisis Assessment index (after the Central African Republic).
Fighting, violations of international humanitarian law and grave human rights abuses continue unabated. Reports of sexual violence, including rape, by soldiers in uniform have increased dramatically in the capital Juba.
Almost 2.45 million South Sudanese are displaced, representing around 20% of the country’s population. 1.61 million people are displaced inside South Sudan while more than 831 000 people have fled to neighbouring countries.
4.8 million people - about 40% of the population – are likely to experience severe food insecurity during the lean season.
Access restrictions and violence continue to obstruct humanitarian operations. 55 humanitarian workers have been killed since the beginning of the conflict. It is vital to ensure safe and unhindered humanitarian access to the populations in need.
The EU is among the biggest donors of humanitarian aid in South Sudan. So far in 2016, it has provided more than 40% of all humanitarian financing to support life-saving programmes.