Fighting forces UN to relocate 62 aid workers in S. Sudan

The UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has relocated 62 aid workers from four locations in South Sudan's Unity state due to renewed fighting.

In its latest report released Thursday, the OCHA says the fresh clashes have also caused the suspension of the delivery of much-needed humanitarian assistance.

"Flashpoints (in Unity state) in recent weeks include Kaljak, Ding-Ding, Jazeera, Koch and Buaw. Fighting has displaced civilians into swampy areas, with many traveling long distances on foot in search of safety," the report says.

"Over the last two weeks of September, 62 aid workers were relocated from these locations... This disrupted life-saving services for over 65,000 people in need," it adds.

The report says the relocations highlight the dangerous and difficult operating environment for aid workers in the Unity state.

Renewed fighting between forces led by President Salva Kiir and those loyal to then First Vice President Riek Machar erupted in early July in the capital Juba, triggering new waves of violence in the country.

The report also says humanitarian assets have been looted and aid workers relocated from the state's Leer county since the July fighting.

There are reports of civilians being killed, raped and abducted as well as of forced recruitment of children in Guit, Unity state, according to the OCHA report.

The OCHA however says humanitarian response is ongoing in accessible parts of Unity state to reach thousands of vulnerable families. Endit