The Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Tuesday said the UN’s humanitarian colleagues in South Sudan have reported that the humanitarian situation is deteriorating across the country, driven by renewed violence, civilian displacement, and access constraints, particularly in Jonglei State.
According to Stéphane Dujarric, since the end of December, renewed fighting and airstrikes in Jonglei have forced an estimated 280,000 people to flee their homes.
“Our ability to deliver critical aid remains restricted due to ongoing clashes and insecurity,” he said. “Today (Tuesday), UNICEF warned that more than 450,000 children are at risk of acute malnutrition nationwide as hostilities disrupt health and nutrition services, with six counties in Jonglei close to running out of therapeutic food assistance.”
“Cholera is spreading in Duk County in Jonglei State, and overcrowding in displacement sites and limited access to safe water and sanitation are leading to more cases of cholera,” Dujarric added.
He said the UN and its humanitarian partners are expanding their treatment capacity and preparing vaccination campaigns. However, he said that humanitarian operations remain under serious threat. Facilities and assets, including vehicles, boats, and office equipment, have been looted or damaged, and aid workers have faced intimidation, undermining response efforts.
“The Government has authorized a one-day access window to the hard-to-reach areas in Akobo County, and that should take place on 5 February,” Dujarric reported. “The UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) will operate a flight to pre-position supplies. This is the second flight permitted there this week, helping deliver critical health and nutrition assistance.”