Thousands of civilians flee as fighting escalates in Unity state: ICRC

May 9, 2015 (BENTIU) – The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said recent clashes in South Sudan’s Unity State has pushed thousands of civilians to flee as concerns rise over the immediate humanitarian consequences on the population.

ICRC, in s statement issued on Saturday, reminded the South Sudanese warring parties of their clear obligations in the conduct of military operations.

“We remind all parties, in the strongest possible terms, of their obligations under International Humanitarian Law. At all times, those who do not take part in the hostilities must be spared and the distinction needs to be made between civilian objects and military objectives” said Franz Rauchenstein, ICRC’s head of delegation for South Sudan.

He said particular emphasis on protection of women and minors must be underlined.

“Women and children are to be respected and protected against any attack on their physical integrity and honor, in particular against rape or any form of indecent assault”, added Rauchenstein.

According to ICRC, with the rain season arriving, those who have fled will now brace for the immediate impact of very harsh living conditions, in hiding. Since the crisis erupted in South Sudan in December of 2013, the civilian population in Leer County has had no choice, but to steadily depend on humanitarian aid to the tune of 20,000 families on the receiving end of regular food rations delivered by ICRC.

ICRC, however, anticipated that dependency on emergency aid will likely rise to alarming levels following recent clashes in Unity state and other parts of the country.

“With the planting season at our doorsteps, people now displaced will not have the capacity to plant, nor will humanitarian organizations be able to provide them necessary seeds and tools in time. This situation will most likely provoke higher dependence on food aid during a time of generalized increased food insecurity”, said Rauchenstein.

Meanwhile, with the clashes ongoing in Unity state, the ICRC reiterated the obligation on all parties to respect and protect medical personnel, medical facilities and means of medical transport, stressing that the movement of humanitarian workers providing assistance to the civilian population and persons not in combat must not be impeded.

The agency, however said it stands ready to respond with emergency assistance.

(ST)