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South Sudan IDPs living in UN protection camps fall to 170,000

Xinhua, June 1, 2016 Adjust font size:

South Sudan's total of internally displaced persons (IDPs) living in UN protection of civilians (PoC) sites due to displacements from the more than two years civil conflict has reduced to 169,983 in May from 200,000 last year, the UN mission said on Wednesday.

The UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) Spokesperson Ariane Quentier said some 169,983 IDPs are currently living in the six protection of civilian sites.

"We are protecting in Juba 27, 959, Bentiu 98, 653, Malakal 40, 448, Bor 2,004 and in Wau 219 IDPs," Quentier told journalists in Juba.

She explained that the number of displaced civilians in Bentiu, Unity state PoC decreased by almost 7,000 last week from 122,000 civilians who sought shelter at the height of the violent conflict.

"The main destination of the civilians departing the sites is Rubkoena and Git counties to where 1,111 civilians made their way only in the last week," Quentier revealed.

"These counties have been targeted for an increased humanitarian response and support to allow civilians to consider return for farming activities, something very important in a climate of food insecurity," she added.

Quentier disclosed that an additional 298 civilians living in the PoCs were farmers who have also requested support from UNMISS and humanitarian partners for the farming activities in the surrounding area for the protection of civilians sites.

The UNMISS explained the IDPs are leaving PoCs on voluntary basis that is ongoing but still a fragile process.

UNMISS is also manning a forward operating base in Bentiu town as well as temporary operating base in Leer from which UNMISS can project troops on patrol according to needs which will provide an increased sense of safety at a time when post-conflict and transitional institutions are being put in place.

"In Malakal the relocation of civilians following the incidents of February is on and it should be concluded soon," Quentier said.

She disclosed that some of the recently received 37 explosive detection dogs will remain in juba and many of them will be transported to Bor and Malakal.

Quentier added that the establishment of the Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission and other bodies enshrined in the peace agreement coupled with the return of IDPs to their homes showed progress in the peace implementation process. Endit