UN calls for protection of civilians in South Sudan's Aburoc

The UN relief official in South Sudan on Monday called for protection of thousands of civilians sheltering in and around Aburoc town following the resumption of the government offensive and clashes in several locations on the West Bank in Upper Nile last week.

Serge Tissot, Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for South Sudan, Serge Tissot, demanded that parties to the conflict uphold their responsibilities to protect thousands of Shilluk civilians sheltering in Aburoc town.

"Many are fleeing to Sudan, and our colleagues on the other side of the border will do all that is possible to assist them. However, it is entirely unacceptable that they are being forced to flee their home land," Tissot said in a statement issued in Juba.

He said civilians in Aburoc are living in fear, not knowing what each day will bring and called on the government to respect the civilian nature of these settlements and ensure they are not subject to attacks.

I call on the opposition forces to ensure that areas highly populated by civilians are, and remain, demilitarized," the UN official said.

It is reported that thousands have fled to the town of Aburoc, 30km north of Kodok where there are now an estimated 50,000 people, although some are now trying to cross over the border into Sudan after government forces took control of Kodok last week.

According to the UN, many have walked for days on foot without access to sufficient water due to conflict along the River Nile, and are arriving exhausted and weak.

Thousands are reportedly now moving toward Sudan out of fear of potential future attacks. Prices are exorbitant and transport is inadequate, with many people having to walk.

Humanitarian organizations relocated staff from Kodok and Aburoc on April 23 and 24 amidst the spread of conflict on the West Bank.

Several courageous local staff remain in the community and are doing all they can to assist people in need. However, key humanitarian assets were looted by opposition forces and other actors in recent days.

Tissot appealed for the immediate return of all looted humanitarian assets in Aburoc, which are absolutely vital to life-saving humanitarian action.

"Without these assets, we are unable to operate in this area, which is very remote and incredibly logistically challenging. I also demand immediate guarantees from authorities that they will ensure the safety and security of humanitarian staff and assets and respect humanitarian space," he said.

Tissot said the UN was outraged that humanitarians are again having to condemn unacceptable actions by authorities which ultimately increase the suffering of people in dire need.

He said aid workers are exploring all feasible options to provide assistance to those fleeing the fighting but are facing major challenges, including lack of fuel in the area.

An inter-agency team visited Aburoc on April 29 to see the situation first-hand and the Central Emergency Response Fund has released funds that will support the scale-up of emergency operations in locations where civilians are arriving. Endit