Nearly 100,000 people displaced in Unity state, says UN

May 8, 2015 (BENTIU) – At least 100,000 people have been displaced as a result recent clashes between South Sudan government forces and its armed opposition, Toby Lanzer, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan said Friday

“Civilians living in the areas of and around Guit, Ngop and Nhialdu have been particularly struck by violence and, in an attempt to avoid it, have fled. This comes at the peak of the traditional planting season, when people need to be able to move freely and safely to be able to tend to their crops,” Lanzer said in a statement.

Most people caught up in fighting, which took place south of the Unity state capital, Bentiu reportedly fled to Koch and Leer counties.

On Wednesday, at least 500 people reportedly fled to the UN base in Rubkotna county after their homes were set ablaze during fighting between the warring parties over Nhialdiu payam and Guit county.

The UN humanitarian coordinator, however, renewed calls for the two warring parties to refrain from attacking or targeting civilians.

“In accordance with international humanitarian law, it is incumbent on all forces engaged in military activities to protect civilians,” he said.

“People should never be harmed, and certainly not targeted or forced to flee from their homes,” added the top UN humanitarian official.

The UN and its partners were reportedly seeking urgent access to areas of Unity state to assess peoples’ needs so as to timely respond.

“I call on state and non-state armed actors alike to take all measures to prevent civilians from being hurt or displaced, and to facilitate fully the work of aid agencies responding to the needs of populations, based on the principles of humanity, impartiality and neutrality,” said Lanzer in his statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

AID WORKERS VACATE

Meanwhile, several aid workers are reportedly vacating Unity state due to the volatile situation resulting from the recent clashes between South Sudan’s warring factions.

Tens of thousands of people have been killed and nearly two million displaced as a result of conflict that broke out in the country in 2013. The UN estimates that over three million people could face hunger if the South Sudanese conflict is unresolved.

(ST)