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UNICEF seeks 3 mln USD to help displaced civilians in S. Sudan

Xinhua, June 28, 2016 Adjust font size:

The UN children's fund (UNICEF) said Tuesday it is seeking 3 million U.S. dollars for immediate emergency response to the fighting in Wau, northwest of South Sudan which has displaced over 36,000 civilians.

In its Update on the latest fighting in the South Sudan town, UNICEF said its response will focus on nutrition, health, education and water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH).

"A registration desk has been established to record missing and unaccompanied children. So far, 61 separated children have been registered. UNICEF has established children's groups for psychosocial support," it said.

The UN children's agency said additional staff is also being deployed to Wau in order to scale up the response after one suspected measles case has been reported and there is a need for an urgent measles campaign.

The fighting erupted on Friday after the dismissal of the incumbent Governor of Wau by the President, leading to instability in the town, with fighting breaking out between the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) and youth associated with the opposition.

There have been reports of civilian casualties and loss of life amid reports of heavy shelling outward from Wau overnight, but no incoming fire. As of Monday, the situation in Wau is reportedly calm, with some alleged sporadic shooting in surrounding areas.

"The displacement of civilians in and around Wau town has immediate humanitarian consequences which need to be rapidly addressed. The water situation is particularly critical; currently, it is estimated that the displaced population is accessing only 2 litres/per person/per day," UNICEF said.

Meanwhile, U.S-based humanitarian organization, World Concern, has suspended activity and evacuated staff from Wau due to the fighting. In a statement, the relief agency said four expat and six national staff were evacuated to a base in another town where it operates, after experiencing sporadic gunfire and heavy artillery in Wau.

"Due to the intensity of the gunfire, we decided to evacuate out of the town," said World Concern South Sudan Country Director Harun Ringera.

The number of casualties is unknown, but staff report hearing of looting and burning of homes in town, as well as loss of life.

"We are praying for those affected and for peace in this region," said World Concern President Jacinta Tegman. The agency serves thousands of people through projects that address livelihoods, agriculture, water, sanitation, hygiene, and education. Endit