UN concerned over mass influx of people in Unity state

February 22, 2015 (BENTIU) – Large numbers of people are entering the United Nations protection of civilian sites in South Sudan’s Unity state, the Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

“Most people were cut off from accessing food due poor roads during the rainy season,” the report noted, adding that fighting prevented people from agricultural activities.

“As the war hit most of state counties, it was hard for the civilians to cultivate last year forcing majorities to seek shelter at UN camp,” it said.

Aid agencies say the poor state of roads also makes it difficult to access those in need.

Nyak Ruac, a resident of Unity state, said several people from different parts of the state visit the UN camp daily in search for food.

“A big number of people arrive daily to the UN camp, but many of these people come from remotes areas lacking food in the various locations they come from,” he said by phone.

Up to 525 people reportedly attend the UN site in Unity state daily and there are fears the numbers of those seeking assistance could rise with the advent of the dry season.

South Sudan’s warring sides are due to resume the next round of talks in an attempt to end the conflict that has killed thousands and displaced nearly two million people.

(ST)