OVERVIEW OF THE CRISIS

In 2018, Ethiopia was spared significant climate-related calamities such as the droughts of previous years. However, the significant spike in conflict-induced displacement, with a near doubling of the IDP and IDP returnee1 caseload, is contributing to high response needs across six regions. In addition, communities affected by drought in recent years have yet to recover and remain highly vulnerable to climate shocks, having exhausted their capacity to cope. This has required the Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners to adopt response strategies that are better suited to the need of a more complex and sudden onset conflict-induced crisis.

Ethiopia saw a significant increase in internal displacement in 2018 as a result of inter-communal conflict in several pockets of the country, with a near doubling of the IDP and IDP returnee population to around three million by the end of 2018. Though localized small-scale displacements have always existed in Ethiopia from clashes between communities over pasture and water rights in pastoralist and agro-pastoralist areas along regional boundaries, the scale and frequency seen in 2018 are unprecedented. This led the Government of Ethiopia and humanitarian partners to focus more on the needs of IDPs and IDP returnees, while simultaneously responding to the acute needs of impoverished communities affected by food and livelihood insecurity from recent years of protracted drought, as well as other associated multi-sector needs.

One of the largest incidents of internal-displacement occurred in April 2018 when historical tensions over land and regional boundaries between the Gedeos (SNNP) and Oromos (Oromia) escalated, leading to clashes. At the peak of the crisis, nearly one million people were displaced in both zones. Another wave of displacement occurred when inter-communal conflict erupted along the Benishangul Gumuz - Oromia border in September 2018, displacing people inside Benishangul Gumuz region and across the border into western Oromia. Meanwhile in Amhara region, inter-communal related conflict that sparked in November 2018 between the Amhara and the Qemant communities led to displacements in the western part of the region. Parts of the Oromia-Somali, as well as Afar-Oromia regional boundaries remain volatile, while in Tigray region, conflict also led to some displacement in late 2018. Continued humanitarian assistance will be required in 2019 both for IDPs and IDP returnees. The implication for protection issues suggests that the capacity of the Government and partners needs to be tailored to the multiple protection needs of highly vulnerable people. Of additional concern are IDP hosting communities, many of whom were already vulnerable pre-displacement, and are likely to require sustained assistance through 2019.

Sporadic unrest often has devastating impact on basic service delivery, including the disruption of health and nutrition services, education, and food security. This elevates the risk of disease outbreaks and malnutrition. In Somali region for example, which is already affected by high malnutrition rates, the conflict in August 2018 led to an estimated 50 per cent turnover of health professionals, which caused serious disruptions in health and nutrition service delivery.

The 2018 seasonal rains performed well in most parts of the country. Rains allowed most agrarian communities to benefit from normal harvests, while replenishing the water sources and rejuvenating pastures of pastoralist and agropastoralist communities. Despite these positive developments, communities who suffered consecutive years of severe drought, who lost productive assets, or took on significant debts to shoulder the brunt of the crisis, will continue to need sustained humanitarian assistance and recovery support throughout 2019. According to the Emergency Nutrition Coordination Unit (ENCU), the scale and severity of the nutrition situation remains in line with the 2018 Humanitarian and Disaster Resilience Plan (HDRP) mid-year review, which projected 4.53 million children under five years and pregnant and lactating women requiring treatment for acute malnutrition in 2018.

Lack of access to safe water and sanitation coupled with poor hygiene practices continue to pose disease outbreak risks, including Acute Watery Diarrhea (AWD) in parts of the country. Over 3,000 cases of AWD were reported in 2018 nationwide, the majority in Tigray region, followed by Afar.
The impact of poor sanitation practices on the health of IDPs and IDP returnees is particularly concerning, especially in areas where the infrastructure is weak and where depleted water tables limit access to safe water.

At the start of 2019, Ethiopia is also hosting over 900,000 refugees who were forced to flee their homes as a result of political instability, military conscription, conflict, famine and other problems in their countries of origin. The majority of refugees in Ethiopia are located in Tigray Regional State and the four emerging regions of Ethiopia: Afar, Benishangul Gumuz, Gambela and Somali regions. The South Sudanese are the largest refugee population in Ethiopia, followed by Somalis and Eritreans.

While responding to the immediate life-saving needs of existing and emerging crisis, the Government of Ethiopia has also been seeking durable solutions to address the needs of people affected by protracted displacement, or to prevent new ones from developing where and when possible. To this end, the Government has convened peace and reconciliation conferences and continues to facilitate the safe return of IDPs. While some IDP returnees have successfully returned to their respective homes, the large majority of those who have returned are still living in collective centers in areas of return, while others were forced into secondary displacements due to renewed conflict.

Overview

During 2018, over 32,300 refugees were submitted by UNHCR for resettlement to 20 countries in Europe. This is 17% less than in 2017, but approximately double the average rate of 15,400 submissions per year during the previous 10 years. Six countries that received smaller numbers of resettlement submissions in 2017 did not receive any further submissions during 2018.

Between 2008 and 2016, Europe’s proportion of resettlement submissions globally increased from approximately 7% to almost 18%, before substantially increasing to 52% during 2017 and 40% during 2018. The increase in 2017 is primarily due to a significant decrease globally in the scale of some States’ resettlement programmes, most notably by the United States of America. In 2018, resettlement submissions to other countries increased, in particular to Canada.

NAIROBI, KENYA, March 7, 2019—Millions of people in the Horn of Africa have been suffering through a prolonged drought at the same time that the administration’s expected federal budget proposal could threaten lifesaving U.S. food aid.

Newly released data from the Famine Early Warning Systems Network (FEWSN) predicts worsening drought and severe hunger in parts of the Horn of Africa in coming months, and crop failures of up to 30 percent.

“We’re very concerned by the deteriorating conditions in the region where we are seeing families – whose lives rely on the land – unable to cope,” said Matt Davis, Catholic Relief Services’ (CRS) regional director for East Africa, who oversees humanitarian assistance in the affected countries, including Ethiopia, South Sudan, Somalia, and Kenya.

The news comes on the eve of the U.S. administration’s annual federal budget request, which is expected to include deep cuts to foreign aid – up to a third as in the past two years – including major emergency food assistance programs.

“We are concerned the administration’s budget could abandon millions of families around the world just when they need help the most,” Davis said. “Helping the poor is a moral imperative, and a wise investment in global stability.”

The administration is expected to release its fiscal year 2020 budget as early as Monday, March 11. Congressional hearings have already begun on some of the budget accounts.

Climate change is having dramatic impacts on crop production in some of the poorest areas of the world. According to reports, the number of extreme climate-related disasters, including severe heat, droughts, floods and storms, has doubled since 1990. These disasters cause crop failures that have tragic consequences for rural families that subsist on what they grow.
Nowhere is this truer than in the Horn of Africa, where up to 80 percent of the population are small-holder farmers.

According to FEWSN, drought has already set back what improvements were made in the region since the 2016 drought. To make matters worse, rainfall from October to December of last year was 55 percent less than normal in some parts of the Horn. As a result, widespread hunger is expected to increase further in the next few months. Much of the livestock – which many families depend on for a living – has already died off, been sold, or eaten.

In South Sudan, 7.7 million people – more than half the population – will need food assistance by August. That crisis has been caused by both conflict and drought.

“This is a part of the world where the majority of families survive on what food they are able to grow. So even the smallest shifts in weather can leave these families with nothing,” Davis said.

“These and other climate- and conflict-related disasters are increasing the need for humanitarian assistance. The good news is, humanitarian relief is for now preventing worse outcomes in many parts of the Horn of Africa, but more is needed to make sure this crisis doesn’t turn into a catastrophe.”

In the previous federal budget, however, the administration proposed elimination of the $1.7 billion Food for Peace program. Other food and international assistance programs were slashed. Congress ultimately rejected the draconian cuts.

“Working through local churches and other groups, we can put specialized technology in the hands of farmers to help them predict the impact of droughts. Our local partners also can help rural areas to prepare ahead of time to become more resilient. But sometimes conditions become so extreme families need emergency food to help get them through. If the administration again proposes to axe those programs, millions of vulnerable people around the world could suffer,” Davis said.

CRS, in partnership with the Ethiopian government, the U.S. government’s USAID Office of Food for Peace, international and local partners, and other groups, provides monthly emergency food distributions to 1.5 million people in four regions in Ethiopia. An additional 640,000 people displaced by social unrest also receive food assistance.

"We have invested in disaster preparedness programs for vulnerable communities, those hurt by drought, but also floods, typhoons, and other extreme weather,” Davis said. Supported by U.S. foreign aid, CRS helps communities to become more resilient through micro-savings programs and health and nutrition education.

• South Sudan one of the toughest countries to be a woman
• Only 16% of girls over the age of 15 are literate in comparison to two fifths (40%) of males.[1]
• Last year, 45% of girls were married before they turned 18 years old and 7% of girls under 15 were married.[2]

South Sudan is one of the toughest countries to be a woman. A recent country study in South Sudan reveals that only a fifth (19%) of girls over the age of 15 are literate in comparison to two fifths (40%) of males. Last year, 45% of girls were married before they turned 18 years old and 7% of girls under 15 were married.

Many of South Sudan’s children have known nothing but war and suffering in a conflict that’s devastated millions of lives. Girls in South Sudan are growing up against the backdrop of constant conflict, battling low education rates and early marriage expectations.

Save the Children has been working with young women in South Sudan to help them change their futures with vocational training. These teenage girls have horrific tales to tell of unspeakable violence, but they have overcome the traumas of war and learnt new vocational skills through Save the Children’s Youth and Livelihoods project.

The programme has helped rehabilitate child soldiers and other young victims of conflict. It’s given young people aged 14-25 essential training, education and vocational skills including carpentry, welding and hairdressing, so they can begin rebuilding their lives and carve out a brighter future.

In the five years that Save the Children’s Youth Livelihood programme ran female enrolment increased by 40%. These girls are working to build a better future and could be the hope that this country so desperately needs.

Without equal opportunity, only half the population can contribute to the economy and help to raise the country out of conflict.

Full information and imagery can be found here:

IMAGES

https://www.contenthubsavethechildren.org/Share/2s75q15070at01afv0oj3w035udj57jj

VIDEO

https://www.contenthubsavethechildren.org/Share/24b5038kej3xmr36tx7v62q21d006db3

Tina*, aged 17, trained as a welder to support her family. She says: ‘The conflict has hit us hard. In 2017 armed groups took everything – our food and clothes. Two of my cousins were killed as they tried to defend our homes….

“The first time I put on my overalls I was so happy. It was hard before, trying to do welding with one hand while holding your skirt with the other as you bent down! But now we feel totally free to get on with our work. Maybe no other girl has ever put on overalls and come to a place like this centre. I feel proud when I come here. This place is a place of freedom.’

1,616 young people have been through the programme since 2013. More than 80 per cent of last year’s cohort have already found stable employment in their chosen trades.

Tina* wants to start a welding business with her friend Maisie* and finish her schooling so she can study medicine and become a doctor.

Maisie* aged 15, is also learning welding at our training centre in South Sudan.

She says: ‘I have become a role model in the community. It’s a source of pride for my whole family that I am one of only two welding girls in the community. Hopefully more will join next year.’

Notes to editors:

About Save the Children

Save the Children stands side by side with children in the toughest places to be a child. We do whatever it takes to make sure they survive, get protection when they’re in danger, and have the chance to learn. Together, we fight for children every single day. Because every child should be able to make their mark on their world and help to build a better future.

About the conflict in South Sudan

Since the outbreak of fighting in December 2013, humanitarian needs in South Sudan have escalated to alarming levels. In 2017, the worst drought in decades has brought South Sudan to the brink of famine. Half of the population — many of them children — face emergency levels of hunger, and more than a million-risk starvation. The recently signed peace agreement (November 2018) provides an opportunity for South Sudan to recover from so many years of conflict. While the challenges are significant projects like Save the Children Youth Employment Project provides young people with the opportunity to rebuild their lives and support their communities to recover and to move forward.

About Save the Children’s work in South Sudan

Save the Children worked in South Sudan prior to its independence in 2011 and we remain on the front line of the international relief effort. We are the lead health and nutrition provider in six of 10 states in South Sudan. We run 61 primary health-care facilities with local partners, 45 outpatient therapeutic centers and 58 feeding program sites for infants and young children suffering from malnutrition. Our centers treat children with diarrhea, malaria and respiratory infections, which can be life threatening. Maternal health is supported through prenatal care, labor and delivery services and postnatal care services. We also offer preventive and public health programs including immunizations, education, hygiene and sanitation. We guard children and their families against communicable diseases and increase access to lifesaving drugs, protect children from harm and provide access to education. As cholera spreads, we are also opening cholera treatment units to save lives.

References

Extreme poverty fuels increase in child marriage – 66% live in poverty, 1.7 million people are currently facing emergency levels of hunger and girls as young as 13 describe pressure to marry https://www.savethechildren.org.uk/content/dam/global/reports/education-and-child-protection/war_on_children-web.pdf

ducation rates are low with 27% of the adult population literate: 40% of men over 15 years. Early marriage is very common: 45% of girls married before they were 18 years old and 7% of girls were married when they were younger than 15 years old https://www.care.org/sites/default/files/documents/Gender%20in%20Brief%20South%20Sudan%20.pdf

Since the commencement of the programme 2013 to date 7877(2407 f) expressed interest in joining skills training. Only 1616(680 f) youth were enrolled and successfully completed 9 months skills training program in 9 trade areas (carpentry, tailoring, welding, masonry, computer training, beauty and saloon, bakery, haircutting (barbers) and agriculture. (2013; 141(62 female) 2014; 68(22 female) 2015; 71(38 female) 2016; 585(245 female) 2017; 457(211females) 2018; 294(102 female))

1 Early marriage is very common: 45% of girls married before they were 18 years old and 7% of girls were married when they were younger than 15 years old https://www.care.org/sites/default/files/documents/Gender%20in%20Brief%2...2 Early marriage is very common: 45% of girls married before they were 18 years old and 7% of girls were married when they were younger than 15 years old https://www.care.org/sites/default/files/documents/Gender%20in%20Brief%2...

On International Women’s Day, Medair’s International Programmes Director, Anne Reitsema, offers her thoughts on the unique challenges facing women in times of emergencies and why we must act.

For the last 14 years, I have been responding to humanitarian crises in a host of countries, including Somalia, Sudan, and South Sudan. Despite every crisis being unique, I have also seen many similarities. One of them is that time and again, women and their children are among the hardest hit. Conflicts and disasters endanger the lives and dignity of women. Men suffer in these situations as well, but women and children are exposed to unique threats during these chaotic situations that make them particularly vulnerable.

Here are 5 reasons why we must invest in women in times of crisis:

1. Women are often left alone to care for their families

Crises dramatically increase the number of women supporting their families on their own. Often, husbands and fathers have been killed, imprisoned, or joined an armed group. One in six families in the Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, for example, are reportedly headed by a woman. Women who are left to care for their families alone are less likely to earn an income, lack the protection normally provided by two-parent households, are often excluded from decision-making processes within the community, and are left to cope with personal grief and trauma alone.

Theresa, a 29-year-old South Sudanese widow and mother of four, told us when she visited our clinic: “Since my husband passed away, I need to feed my family, and take care of my children’s education and shelter on my own. It has been difficult to get food. I sell tea in the market, but if I don’t sell anything, there’s no way to feed my children.”

2. Pregnant women lack the vital support they need

Even in countries with the highest levels of maternal health care, giving birth and caring for a baby is an enormous challenge and responsibility. For women living in a place where health care is unaffordable, or if they are forced to flee from their home, childbirth can become life-threatening. In fact, 60 percent of all preventable maternal deaths worldwide occur in places marked by conflicts and natural disasters.

When I was leading Medair’s programme in South Sudan, one day our emergency response team encountered a woman sitting on the side of the road on their way to a project site. The woman, Angeline, was in labour. The nearest health facility was too far away, so our midwife on the team helped the woman safely deliver her baby girl right there in the grass.

I’m grateful that we happened to be there for Angeline and her baby, but sadly, this story is an exception. Poor infrastructure, distance from functioning health facilities, insecurity, poor hygiene practices, and inadequate emergency referral services give women in crisis little hope of receiving adequate maternal health services.

3. Women are often victims of violence

Women are more susceptible to sexual and gender-based violence when social structures are eroded by conflict, and they are especially vulnerable during migration and displacement. Roughly one in five refugee women has been exposed to sexual violence (Global Humanitarian Overview 2019). The real numbers are likely to be even higher, as many cases go unreported.

Sexual and gender-based violence leaves a deep impact on both the physical and mental health of survivors. Many of the survivors have no one to turn to for protection, leaving them even more vulnerable.

4. Women often carry psychological wounds without support

Psychological wounds are not visible, but the loss of family members, homes, and familiar ways of life all profoundly affect the health of women. Many are overcoming traumas that include witnessing atrocities and surviving sexual assault or torture in addition to enduring the day-to-day struggles of displacement.

Haleema, a Syrian refugee in our psychosocial programme in Jordan, told us about the impact of a bombing on her village:

“My life changed that day. I could not remove that scene from my head. I became an aggressive person and I started screaming at my children all the time. I decided to flee Syria and come to Jordan where my husband lived. Doing so meant leaving behind the only country I had ever known – a country that was no longer safe for us.”

5. Investing in women means investing in entire communities

Women and girls are disproportionately affected by crises. Yet, too often they are only seen as victims, not contributing actors in the community. Research shows that the entire community benefits when women are included in humanitarian action (UN Women 2015). That’s one reason why Medair works with mother-to-mother groups to develop healthier family practices that can prevent future illnesses in themselves and their children. These groups of 10-15 mothers meet regularly for training and support on health, nutrition, and hygiene topics. Then, these mothers visit their neighbours to check on their health and promote positive change in their community.

By setting up mother-to-mother groups, we are helping women to help each other, thereby creating sustainable support networks. This is a great example for me of the importance of putting women at the heart of humanitarian interventions.

How we support

Medair’s mission is to serve the world’s most vulnerable people with high-quality humanitarian aid. Our programmes therefore place a strong focus on helping women and their children survive crisis with dignity. This includes providing medical support for pregnant women and new mothers and psychosocial support to help women learn to become active survivors rather than passive victims.

We also train women in new skills and help them to set up mother-to-mother groups to develop healthier hygiene practices that can prevent future illnesses in themselves and their children. These kinds of programmes not only help hundreds of thousands of women and children survive, but also to thrive.

One mother involved in our mother-to-mother groups said, “We are just housewives and mothers here. We’ve never been to school because of the war. When Medair gave me training, I realised that I had a real value to my household. I can keep my family from getting ill. I never knew before that I could make such a difference.”

Ultimately, we are here not only to save lives, but to remind women of their value and help restore dignity in hard times.

We’re always working to expand the Sentinel Project’s programs into new areas where we can help and this week marks an important milestone as well as the beginning of a long-awaited new phase in our work as we launched the Hagiga Wahid project in Uganda, which will soon expand to include South Sudan. Hagiga Wahid, which means “One Truth” in Juba Arabic, is an information system set up to monitor and counter the spread of harmful misinformation which contributes to distrust and hostility between different groups of South Sudanese refugees as well as between refugees and Ugandan host communities. Together with our local implementing partner, the Community Development Centre, we are piloting Hagiga Wahid in the Rhino Camp area of northern Uganda and plan to grow it further.

In addition to being a much-needed initiative in Rhino Camp, the launch of Hagiga Wahid is an important development for the Sentinel Project for three reasons. First, it marks the latest replication of our successful Una Hakika model which was developed in Kenya. Second, this is a critical step towards working in South Sudan, a country where we have long aimed to expand our work. Third, this presents a unique new learning opportunity with Hagiga Wahid being the first transnational effort to counter rumours in a conflict zone since it will be active both among South Sudanese refugees and in South Sudan itself. Harmful misinformation does not stop at the border and neither will our efforts to contain and mitigate it.

South Sudan has a long history of conflict and violence with recent years seeing especially shocking levels of fighting, atrocities, and displacement of civilians. Numerous people have been killed, tortured, forced from their homes, or otherwise traumatized while the international humanitarian response has been insufficient. The country remains highly unstable and with more than a million South Sudanese refugees living in northern Uganda, the neighbouring country has in some ways become an extension of the conflict. While the area is fortunately relatively peaceful right now, the same hostility that drives conflict in South Sudan has come with the refugees to Uganda. Much effort is needed to help maintain and improve that peace, which is often threatened by rumours that drive distrust, fear, and hatred, thus threatening intercommunal relations.

Our team conducted fieldwork in Rhino Camp during November 2018 as part of setting up Hagiga Wahid and we learned a lot about the issues affecting refugees, how they access information about the situation around them and back in South Sudan, and the ways that rumours and misinformation impact them. Many people reported lacking access to reliable information and this situation of uncertainty combined with the fearful environment makes it difficult for people to make effective decisions about how to relate to other communities. Our survey found that a large number of South Sudanese refugees do not at all trust information received from members of other ethnic groups and nearly 95% of respondents said that rumours have contributed to violence and instability. During group discussions, people shared stories of incidents when rumours have caused problems. In one case, a fight between two children at a school inspired a rapidly-spreading rumour that the school was being attacked by a rival tribe, causing some people to prepare to defend against a non-existent threat. Fortunately, community members were able to discover the truth before any violence began. That may not always be the case, which is where Hagiga Wahid comes in.

Just like Una Hakika in Kenya and our similar projects in Myanmar and Congo, Hagiga Wahid subscribers will be able to report rumours through text messages, voice calls, social media, and a network of trained, multiethnic volunteers. The project team will then investigate to determine the facts and ultimately report back to the community with accurate information while engaging other stakeholders for additional peacebuilding work if necessary. Beyond improving day-to-day access to reliable information, our goal is to encourage increased critical thinking and build trust between the members of different tribes. Together, these factors will help to create lasting peace.

It will also be important to engage Ugandan host communities in Hagiga Wahid due to the high potential for conflict created by local competition (either real or perceived) over limited resources like water and trees. Since many of the rumours circulating among the refugees in Uganda relate to events in South Sudan, it will be critical to establish Hagiga Wahid on both sides of the border and we will begin working on that soon. This way, when refugees report rumours about events in South Sudan, our team there will be able to start investigating right away, ensuring that false reports about events in one country don’t destabilize the other.

BEATRICE MATEGWA/FRANCESCA MOLD

“You should just stand up for your rights. It is something that is yours, so you have to go get them.”

This is the rallying cry of university student, Mary Faida, as she calls on fellow South Sudanese women to fight for gender equality on International Women’s Day.

Mary was speaking at an event, hosted by the Catholic University and the United Nations Mission in South Sudan, to promote the role of women in the peace process as the country seeks an end to the five-year long civil war.

Her words were vehemently reinforced by the guest of honour, Jemma Nunu Kumba, Acting Secretary-General for the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement.

“When you know your right, don’t ask for it, take it! You go for it and take it!”

About 400 university students and guests gathered in the capital Juba to listen to a panel discussion about the importance of women in ensuring peace prevails in the world’s youngest nation.

“While we recognize all the work that has been done and how far we have gone, there is still a lot that has to be done to expedite the narrowing of the gender gap, because I believe women, as the majority of our society, have a lot to offer in order to accelerate our development processes,” said Jemma Nunu Kumba.

“To the women of South Sudan, I salute them and urge them to continue with their resilience and persistence in ensuring that they take their space of leadership in business and in the political arena.”

South Sudan’s women have suffered immensely from the violent conflict, with many trapped in cultural practices that perpetuate inequalities and violence used against them.

“Women are being violated. They are being robbed and we stand against this. We don’t want this to happen,” said Theresa Sirico, the chair of the Sudan African National Union. “Durable peace is when women and men are side by side.”

The signing of a new peace agreement in September has brought new hope as well as a requirement for women to take at least 35 per cent of leadership roles in the proposed new governance structure. This demand is echoed in the theme for International Women’s Day in South Sudan, which is to “Think Equal: Make 35 percent + Count for Women’s Participation’’.

While there are concerns about how to fund the implementation of the peace agreement, panelist Abraham Awolich had a rather blunt response.

“If we can finance war, we can finance peace,” he said, also suggesting a woman would be best qualified to take on the role of managing the country’s budget as Finance Minister.

UNMISS Police Commissioner, Unaisi Vuniwaqa, said the meaningful participation of women and their empowerment benefits, not only women and girls, but the whole community.

“This will ensure that peace and development is inclusive and diverse, catering to different needs and priorities.”

“Let us make every day Women’s Day, which means we make women’s day a lifestyle.”

As the melody of the world-favourite gospel song, “I know who I am”, rings out across the room, the women leap from their seats to sing and dance together as they look forward to peace becoming a reality so they finally get the brighter and equal future they deserve.

Madam President,

Members of the Council

It is my pleasure to be with you here today. There have been considerable developments in South Sudan in the past months. I want to touch on these and then make a number of observations about the opportunities and challenges moving forward.

The peace agreement signed on 12 September was brokered by IGAD – but particularly through the commendable efforts of Sudan – and it continues to hold. It is also a testament to the efforts of the parties who built sufficient trust and confidence among themselves and have committed to work together towards durable peace.

Four positive changes are notable. First, Opposition politicians from different parties are moving freely around Juba without hinderance and are taking part in the various meetings as part of the peace process. I would like to recognize the Government for creating the space and security conditions for this to happen and thank Opposition leaders for having the courage to return and participate in the peace process.

Second, there have been more than 71 meetings and rapprochements held across the country where Government and SPLA-In Opposition forces and politicians have met. Many have been facilitated by the UNMISS. The enthusiasm for peace amongst people is palpable.

Third, overall levels of political violence have diminished significantly. In blunt terms, many people are alive today who might not have been without the agreement having been signed. The exception is Central Equatoria – where fighting close to Yei between the forces of Thomas Cirillo and the South Sudan Peoples Defence Force has intensified. Once again, civilians have borne the brunt, with reports of killings, looting and sexual assaults. Cirillo shows no sign of wanting to join the existing peace process.

Fourth, for the first time in three years, people are expressing a willingness to return home. An estimated 135,000 refugees have returned. In addition, many of those displaced internally have signaled they want to go home.

So far, actual numbers are relatively small when put against the approximately 2.3 million people who live as refugees and 1.9 million displaced inside South Sudan – a figure that comprises nearly one-third of South Sudan’s population. But it reflects a trend: people seeking to travel in the dry season to be home in time to plant crops in July.

That’s the positive side. The significant challenge now is to maintain the momentum of the peace process.

The timetable set out in the agreement is well behind where it should be and many of the bodies set up under it are still dealing with procedural rather than substantive issues.

There are fundamental issues still to be resolved – many of which were deferred to enable the peace agreement to be signed. These include: resolution of the boundaries and states issue and the formation of a unified armed force to be deployed in Juba and all major towns. The constitution-making process has also faced challenges in this period.

The current phase of the peace process, the pre-transitional government period, ends on 12 May. From this point, the revitalized transitional government is scheduled to take over and the vice presidents, including the First Vice President, Riek Machar should have taken up their roles.

A peace that falters will generate frustration, anger and a possible return to violence, that could equal that which occurred in 2013 and 2016. We cannot allow that to happen. There are some who believe that a return to violence is inevitable. We don’t concur. This agreement has broader buy-in from parties than the 2015 Agreement. It is widely embraced by the population.

We too have our concerns about the peace process, but there has yet to be a perfect process. For our part, the UN has – and will – continue to focus attention and resources on making it work.

I want to stress: there is no Plan B. There is only Plan A – this Agreement – and this path forward. And, for it to have a chance to work, it needs to be supported.

A year ago, most of us, including myself, did not believe we would be where we are today. It has confounded the critics. But we have arrived at this point through the leadership and drive largely from IGAD.

A fully engaged IGAD, supported by the efforts of the African Union, is absolutely critical. But the months ahead will be equally as challenging as those before, and I would welcome the urgent appointment by IGAD of the new R-JMEC chair, to help stir the process forward and overcome some of these challenges.

The UN has been working in partnership with IGAD and the people of South Sudan throughout. Through my good offices we have, and will continue to, inject specific expertise, ideas and opportunities into the process – to maintain confidence and trust and substantively move the peace implementation forward. It is an area where we would welcom a more explicit reference to an ability to play a more active role in our mandate.

We must also acknowledge that suffering goes on. Five months of a more stable environment cannot overnight redress the levels of food insecurity, nor the absence of health or education services. Humanitarian assistance is still needed, to bridge the gap to self-reliance and support those who people who want to move home.

We should remember that tens of thousands of South Sudanese citizens, young and old, are alive today because of the generosity of donor nations and the heroic work of humanitarian agencies. It is a reality that South Sudan’s leaders often forget – or take for granted – that their country is supported by taxpayers around the world.

Last year, donor nations gave lifesaving support of more than $1 billion – more than twice South Sudan’s state budget. This enabled humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance to 5 million people, or 83 per cent of those they had targeted.

This year’s target is $1.5 billion to reach 5.7 million people.

Humanitarian agencies have largely been able to move freely across South Sudan. However, in specific areas such as Yei, particularly where there is conflict – and where civilians have been most vulnerable – denials have occurred. Governmental delays including processing of shipments and imposition of taxes has also wasted time and incurred costs in the past three months.

Peace saves lives. It also saves money. South Sudan is a country of abundance, where no one should go hungry.

The humanitarian bill is ultimately unsustainable. We have felt strongly the need to switch approaches in the country. In the past months, UN agencies and UNMISS, backed by donors, have begun to focus more on resilience – that fosters greater self-reliance within communities in more stable areas. There is potential in those areas where we can gradually shift away from purely humanitarian support.

Second, a Trust Fund has been established to intervene in areas of ongoing conflict. It aims not only to reconcile differences between warring communities but also to bolster agreements with economic support and services.

In the Wau PoC site, for example, Fertit want to move back to their land they were forced to abandon. A greater chance of success is likely if differences between them and Dinka cattlekeepers living in the same area can be reconciled and that the agreement that is reached is anchored with support to housing and health services that benefits all communities.

With the peace deal, some displaced families are choosing to return home and rebuild their lives. The number of people living in PoCs has dropped from about 205,000 before the Agreement was signed to 193,000 in just three months. The PoC in Wau is down to 13,000, one-third of what it was six months ago.

UNMISS supports the returns process. We have undertaken frequent ‘look and see’ trips, helicoptering people to locations to assess for themselves whether it is safe to go home. As a result, many decided to leave. Hundreds have now left the Bor POC – some transported by helicopter, others by barge.

Humanitarian agencies are currently programming agricultural, education and health support in areas of expected high return. UNMISS peacekeepers are refocusing priorities from more static operations around PoC sites to patrolling to areas of anticipated return to increase confidence.

UNMISS is very mindful of its protection mandate. Let me be absolutely clear: we will not push people out of the POC sites against their will. However, for those who want to leave, we will support them, because not to means condemning them to a life in a camp. But our actions will continue to be consistent with international principles and humanitarian NGO guidelines to be voluntary and dignified.

The next three months are critical. After that time, the rainy season makes land transport impossible and the window for planting crops will be lost, resulting in another year-long delay.

A key reason why people tell us they are reluctant to return home is, of course, security. Sexual violence continues to cause immense harm to women and girls across the country, most recently in northern Unity where the concentration of forces from all sides has led to horrific incidents.

This violence must end and the perpetrators be held to account. Ending impunity is a core function of government and a vital part of the reconciliation and peace process. It is UNMISS’ mandated role to actively deter and prevent as much of these horrific abuses as possible, as well as monitor and report publicly on violations of human rights, particularly where sexual violence is concerned, as we did recently, in Bentiu.

But we are also working with the Government to build the capacity of the justice system to deal with these crimes. This includes operating a mobile court system – where prosecutors and judges are flown to hotspots like Bentiu and Malakal to hear cases. It has led to several dozen perpetrators being tried and jailed. At one session in Bentiu, our legal team reported to me that 49 women queued to give evidence in pre-trial meetings against offenders. Their desire for justice and to end impunity is inspiring.

In another case, four young men accused of gang raping a 15-year-old swaggered into court where they encountered the victim and witnesses. Their faces fell as they realized that the survivor of their brutality had the courage to testify against them and faith that justice would prevail. They were all convicted and sentenced to between three and 12 years. These are small steps but they are important ones.

This month, a UN supported special court will also open in Juba with jurisdiction to hear these sorts of crimes.

In conclusion, there are just over two months left of the pre-transitional period and progress has been slow. There is still much to be done. All of us – the parties and stakeholders – but most of all the regional partners – must drive the implementation forward and ensure it is adequately resourced. The Government needs to play its part to contribute financially as well.

This peace agreement is far from perfect. But it is the one that we have in front of us today and we are not going to get another chance at this. The cost of failure is unthinkable. So, while responsibility lies primarily with the parties to the conflict, it also is beholden on us all to ensure that we move forward together to make this agreement a reality for the sake of the people of South Sudan.

SC/13732

SECURITY COUNCIL
8480TH MEETING (AM)

Implementation of Revitalized Peace Agreement Progressing ‘Slowly but Surely’, Juba’s Permanent Representative Assures Members

Meeting to discuss the evolving situation in South Sudan against the backdrop of International Women’s Day, The Security Council heard today that sexual violence against women and girls persists in spite of the young nation’s recent political strides.

David Shearer, the Secretary-General’s Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS), briefed the 15-member Council on the “considerable” progress achieved since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan in September 2018. Commending the efforts of regional partners in brokering the Agreement, he said opposition leaders are now moving freely around Juba, the capital, and engaging in the peace process. Meanwhile, refugees are beginning to return home and there have been rapprochements between Government officials and members of the Sudan People’s Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO).

“Many people are alive today who might not have been without the [peace] Agreement,” he emphasized. Nevertheless, significant challenges remain, including delays in implementing the timetable set out in the Revitalized Agreement and the lack of a resolution on boundary issues. Warning that “a peace that falters will generate frustration, anger and a possible return to violence”, he stressed that sexual violence must end if displaced people are to feel safe enough to return home. The Government must work to end impunity, he reiterated, noting that UNMISS is helping to build the justice system’s capacity to deal with such crimes. A United Nations-supported court will open this month, with jurisdiction over crimes of a sexual or gender-based nature, he said.

Angelina Nyajima Simon Jial, Founder of the non-governmental organization Hope Restoration South Sudan, also briefed the Council, dedicating her remarks to women around the world who continue to fight for their rights. Describing the mass rape perpetrated near the town of Bentiu in late 2018 as a symptom of a much deeper problem, she said women and girls in South Sudan suffer some of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence. Whereas groups like Hope Restoration South Sudan work to provide protection and life-saving services, their lack of resources makes operations difficult, she said, pointing out that the bulk of available resources goes to United Nations agencies and international organizations, with the smallest portion funding national groups.

“We cannot build a strong and vibrant civil society in South Sudan with these constraints,” she stressed, warning that the country’s hopes for peace will fade without the participation of local groups. Much funding previously allocated has dried up, she noted, asking: “How do you tell someone who has been subjected to horrific acts of violence that you can no longer help?” While it is encouraging that the United Nations 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan prioritizes such programming, the Security Council must include local non-governmental organizations in the UNMISS mandate and request that donors support them, she said.

As Council members took the floor, many welcomed recent strides by the parties concerned and commended them for putting South Sudan’s broader interests above their own. However, several speakers sounded the alarm over high levels of sexual and gender-based violence — including the use of rape as a weapon of war — and called for intensified political commitment to address such heinous crimes.

Côte d’Ivoire’s delegate expressed concern over significant delays in achieving the goals for South Sudan’s pre-transition phase. The parties must “come to grips” with the substantive issues, notably by inserting provisions in the transitional constitution, establishing the Independent Transitional Boundary Commission and putting transitional security arrangements in place. Noting that security sector reform should allow for the unification of belligerents and creation of a disciplined army, he said transitional justice bodies should also be established — notably a hybrid court — and echoed the Secretary-General’s call to strengthen the UNMISS mandate and render it more flexible.

The representative of the United States said that today’s observance of International Women’s Day is a reminder that “we must do everything possible” for the millions of women still facing staggering levels of violence in South Sudan. While welcoming the fact that the Revitalized Agreement seems to be holding, he noted the failure of previous accords and called upon the Government to demonstrate its full commitment. The United States provided $845 million in assistance to South Sudan in 2018, he recalled, cautioning that such aid “is not infinite” and will require the Government to take responsibility for its people.

Emphasizing the need to avoid past mistakes, the Russian Federation’s representative commended the important role played by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in helping to reach the Revitalized Agreement. He went on to state that his delegation does not share the Western opinion that sanctions pressure and the imposition of the arms embargo made the peace process possible. “The Council should not take credit for the success of regional mediators,” he stressed, describing the Agreement as a demonstration of the principle of “African solutions to African problems”.

South Sudan’s delegate said that his country’s security, peace and economic situation has “improved noticeably” since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement. Implementation is progressing “slowly but surely,” he added, noting that President Salva Kiir Mayardit is touring the Greater Bahr El Ghazal region in the company of opposition leaders. Refugees are now returning voluntarily in large numbers and the economy is in the early stages of recovery, he said, adding that consumer goods are available and prices are dropping in Juba’s markets. Yet, challenges persist, including inadequate funding, he noted. However, the Government will carry on, “using whatever means and resources are available”, he stressed, urging the Council to work with regional partners to convince outstanding opposition groups to join the peace process.

Also speaking today were representatives of Germany, United Kingdom, Dominican Republic, Peru, Belgium, Poland, South Africa, China, Equatorial Guinea, Kuwait, Indonesia and France.

The meeting began at 10:10 a.m. and ended at 12:20 p.m.

Briefings

DAVID SHEARER, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), outlined the “considerable” developments occurring on the ground in recent months. He noted that the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan — signed on 12 September 2018 and brokered through the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD), particularly through the commendable efforts of Sudan — continues to hold, demonstrating the trust and confidence built by the parties. Citing four positive changes, he said opposition politicians from various parties are moving freely around the capital, Juba, without hindrance and participating in meetings on the peace process.

More than 71 meetings and rapprochements have been held across the country between Government officials and Sudan Liberation Army-in Opposition (SPLA-IO) forces and politicians, he continued. “The enthusiasm for peace among the people is palpable,” he said, noting that overall levels of political violence have diminished significantly. “Many people are alive today who might not have been without the [peace] Agreement,” he emphasized. The exception to that trend, however, is Central Equatoria, where fighting, killings and sexual assaults continue to be reported, he said. People are also expressing a willingness to return home, with an estimated 135,000 refugees — out of some 2.3 million — having returned and many internally displaced people having signalled their wish to do the same.

Turning to continuing challenges, he said the timetable set out in the 12 September 2018 Agreement is well behind where it should be, and many fundamental issues still need to be resolved. They include the resolution of boundary and state issues, as well as the formation of a unified armed force and the constitution-making process. Pointing out that the current “pre-transitional Government” phase of the peace process will end on 12 May, he stressed that, from that point, the revitalized transitional Government is scheduled to take over and the Vice-Presidents should have taken up their roles. “A peace that falters will generate frustration, anger and a possible return to violence,” he warned. “We cannot allow that to happen.” There is no “plan B” alternative to implementing the Agreement, he said, underlining the critical importance of a fully engaged IGAD, supported by the African Union in partnership with the United Nations.

Reporting on the ongoing suffering in South Sudan, he emphasized that five months of a more stable environment cannot redress food insecurity and other humanitarian challenges overnight. Donor nations provided more than $1 billion in life-saving support in 2018 — twice South Sudan’s State budget — he recalled, noting that the funds enabled humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance to 5 million people. The 2019 target is $1.5 billion to reach some 5.7 million people in need, he said, citing the challenges of humanitarian access and governmental delays in some areas. A trust fund has been established to intervene in areas of ongoing conflict, he said, adding that it aims to reconcile differences between warring communities and to bolster agreements by providing economic support and services.

He went on to state that UNMISS is working to support the refugee return process, while humanitarian agencies provide programming in areas including agriculture, education and health. “The next three months are critical,” he stressed, noting that, after that, the rainy season will make land transport impossible and close the window for planting crops. Emphasizing that sexual violence must end if people are to feel safe enough to return home during that time, he underlined that ending impunity is a core function of the Government and a vital part of the peace and reconciliation process. In that regard, UNMISS is working with the Government to build the capacity of the justice system to deal with such crimes, including by operating a mobile court system that has helped to try and jail several dozen perpetrators, he said. A United Nations-supported court will open in Juba this month, with jurisdiction over crimes of a sexual nature, as well as those entailing gender-based violence, he added.

ANGELINA NYAJIMA SIMON JIAL, Founder, Hope Restoration South Sudan, dedicated her remarks to women around the world who continue to fight for the rights of women and girls, while working daily to restore peace in their communities. Women-led organizations play a crucial role in building peace and security in South Sudan, she said, stressing that the mass rape in Bentiu last November was a symptom of a much deeper problem affecting women and girls in the country, which suffers some of the world’s highest rates of gender-based violence. It is in that context that women’s organizations work tirelessly to deliver life‑saving services, she said. They respond to gender-based violence, protect people with special needs and create women-friendly spaces offering psychosocial support and income-generating activities, often in the hardest-to-reach areas, throughout the rainy season and even when fighting surrounds them. “And we will still be there when UNMISS has left,” she emphasized.

However, a lack of resources makes it difficult to operate amid intense competition for humanitarian resources between international and national non‑governmental organizations, she noted. The bulk of funding goes to United Nations agencies and international organizations, the smallest portion to national groups. And within national civil society, the smallest portion, by far, of funding goes to women-led organizations. “We cannot build a strong and vibrant civil society in South Sudan with these constraints,” she stressed, going on to caution: “And without us, our community’s hopes for a lasting peace will fade.” For example, in September 2018, Hope Restoration South Sudan received a grant from the South Sudan Humanitarian Fund to open a girl-friendly space in Leer, she said, recalling also that she was surprised by the number of women who began, within months, to visit and build relationships with case workers, and more so, to learn that nearly half of them were survivors of gender-based violence, some having suffered multiple rapes.

By early 2019, however, the organization lost its funding, she said, asking: “How do you tell someone who has been subjected to horrific acts of violence that you can no longer help?” While it is encouraging that the 2019 Humanitarian Response Plan has prioritized such programming, the Security Council, for its part, must include local non-governmental organizations in the UNMISS mandate, she said, asserting: “We are not there and this needs to change.” Calling for urgent recognition that humanitarian needs cannot be met without addressing deep-rooted gender inequality, she insisted that women must be involved in such discussions. They are ready to fill the 35 per cent quota reserved for them in the Agreement, but, to do so, they need the Council’s support, she asserted. Indeed, the women, peace and security agenda is much more than just “getting women to the peace table”, she added, underlining that it is about women being central players in all aspects of efforts for peace.

To make a difference, women-led organizations need financial support to operate on a more sustainable basis while scaling up their work, she said, adding that they must be able to offer more one-stop centres for medical care, legal services and skills‑development. Noting the approaching mandate renewal for UNMISS, she urged the Council to make a direct request that international donors work with local non-governmental organizations, stressing that the Mission and international non-governmental organizations must support their efforts to take on a much greater share of the humanitarian work. “This kind of partnerships between local non-governmental organizations, donors, UNMISS and the international humanitarian community has been a critical missing piece in South Sudan — a partnership that will work better with a clear understanding of the challenges facing women and girls,” she said. She concluded by calling for engagement with local communities, emphasizing that they must be consulted and heard. When they raise concerns about mounting tensions, they speak from an informed position of local knowledge, she pointed out. “There is a wealth of untapped potential,” she said, adding that, in order to unlock it, better ways of working together must be found.

Statements

JONATHAN R. COHEN (United States) said that today’s observance of International Women’s Day reminds the international community that “we must do everything possible” for the millions of women who still face staggering levels of violence in South Sudan. Welcoming the fact that Peace Agreement seems to be holding, he nevertheless expressed concern over the lack of political will among the parties to fully implement the Agreement, continuing violence in and around Yei, and the ongoing recruitment of children. Recalling that previous peace agreements have failed, he called upon the Government to demonstrate its commitment, including by ensuring transparency in the use of oil revenues to support the population. Among other things, he also called for an end to obstruction of the work of ceasefire monitors, the removal of impromptu road barriers, an end to inappropriate taxes and fees imposed on aid workers, and intensified efforts to open a hybrid court. He went on to recall that the United States provided $845 million to South Sudan in 2018, but warned that such assistance “is not infinite” and will require the Government to take responsibility for its people.

VASSILY A. NEBENZIA (Russian Federation), also spotlighting the commemoration of International Women’s Day, said that his country does much to ensure equal rights and opportunities for women around the world. Welcoming the significant progress made in implementing the various agreements reached in South Sudan, he noted that “we are witnessing a significant decrease in the levels of violence, as well as a reduction in violations of human rights”. Meanwhile, more and more refugees are willing to return home and opposition party members are moving about freely. Echoing appeals for the parties to formally finalize their arrangements on security issues and introduce amendments to the Constitution, he emphasized that mistakes made in the past must now be avoided. He went on to commend IGAD’s important role in helping to reach the Peace Agreement, emphasizing that his delegation does not share the opinion of Western colleagues that the peace process was made possible by sanctions pressure and the imposition of the arms embargo. “The Council should not take credit for the success of regional mediators,” he stressed, describing the Agreement as a demonstration of the principle of “African solutions to African problems”. He also expressed support for the mandate extension for UNMISS.

CHRISTOPH HEUSGEN (Germany) noted that the “peace process is at a crossroads” as the 12 May deadline for forming a transitional Government approaches. Key questions about security arrangements remain open, he said, citing the establishment of security services, as well as the number and boundaries of states. Parties to the Revitalized Agreement must step up efforts on this front and make the whole process more inclusive, he emphasized, expressing concern about continued fighting, particularly in the Equatorias, and the country’s human rights situation, including gender-based violence. Together with the United Kingdom and Peru, the Government of Germany convened the first‑ever meeting of the Informal Expert Group on Women, Peace and Security for South Sudan last week, he said. Outlining some of the Group’s recommendations, he said they include increased participation of women in the committees and mechanisms of the revitalized peace process. He went on to express his delegation’s support for extending the mandate of UNMISS, stressing that the Mission remains indispensable in supporting South Sudan and its people.

JESSICA PHILIPS (United Kingdom) noted that five years of fighting claimed nearly 400,000 lives, with women and girls often experiencing rape and sexual assault, yet, time and again, perpetrators are not held to account. Despite the signing of the Peace Agreement and the reduction in political violence, there has been an uptick in communal and sexual violence, she said, adding that of particular concern are reports warning of the normalization and persistence of sexual violence, perpetrated at times by armed militia groups, sometimes encouraged by commanders. Despite calls to identify those responsible, this has not happened, she said, pointing out that, instead, organizations providing support to victims have come under attack by the Government. “We cannot accept these brutal acts”, nor allow impunity, she emphasized. Calling for an end to sexual violence and the culture of impunity, she pressed the Government to protect civilians, investigate all instances of sexual violence and bring those responsible to justice. Support must be extended to organizations helping survivors, she stressed. Recalling the United Kingdom’s consistent calls for greater inclusion of women in peace processes, she urged the parties to deliver on promises to meet the 35 per cent quota. She went on to express concern that space for civil society continues to shrink and pressed all actors to engage civil society. Noting that the Secretary-General’s report is the last before the May transition date, she expressed concern over the lack of progress on some of the most difficult issues, pinpointing fighting as the cause of the man-made humanitarian and protection crisis in South Sudan. She urged all parties to ensure full implementation of the Agreement.

JOSÉ SINGER WEISINGER (Dominican Republic) said that, since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement, the number of victims of political violence has fallen and the free movement of opposition politicians in Juba is clear. Yet, such modest progress is fragile, amid persistent threats against civilians and ongoing sexual and intercommunal violence, he said. Humanitarian personnel must be able to move freely throughout the territories, with South Sudan fulfilling its commitments in the Revitalized Agreement, he stressed, adding that the signatories must resolve their differences, while regional and international actors maintain support for the process. He went on to express concern about the vulnerable situation of civilians amid reports of rape and other violations, including kidnappings. It is alarming that such cases are not investigated, prosecuted or punished, he said, pressing both the Government and the parties to bring perpetrators to account. He praised the South Sudan People’s Defence Force plan to launch its own action plan next week, and the Government for ratifying the Optional Protocol to the Convention on the Rights of the Child. Underlining the need to establish the hybrid court and other transitional justice mechanisms, as well as services for survivors of sexual violence, she pointed out that the Joint Transitional Security Committee does not have a single woman in its ranks.

VERÓNIKA BUSTAMANTE (Peru) welcomed the continuing enforcement of the Revitalized Agreement and the deduction of political violence, noting, however, that progress is needed on substantive issues. Recalling the Secretary-General’s appeal for the parties to establish transitional security arrangements and form a national unity Government, she said those goals should be prioritized as none has been achieved. Furthermore, the establishment of the Independent Boundaries Commission, approval of a draft law on constitutional reform and the adoption of a governance system must be carried out, she said. Expressing regret that intercommunal violence continues to affect civilians, she said the 1.87 million internally displaced persons and 2.27 million refugees in neighbouring countries shed light on the grave humanitarian situation. Condemning sexual violence against women and girls, she urged the Government and other relevant parties to punish perpetrators, emphasizing that the recent sexual violence in Bentiu offers proof that transitional security arrangements must be implemented as soon as possible. She went on to say that UNMISS should have a close relationship with women-led organizations, adding that the United Nations and IGAD must monitor compliance with the Agreement, especially regarding the 35 per cent quota for women’s participation in decision-making.

KAREN VAN VLIERBERGE (Belgium) noted that the political landscape in South Sudan has undergone a significant change in recent years, with broad-scale progress being made on reducing political violence. Nevertheless, there are persistent to implementing the Agreement and the parties must agree on a future vision for the security sector in order to avoid a fresh round of violence. “This Agreement is a window of opportunity to achieve a lasting peace in the country,” she said, expressing concern over the serious humanitarian crisis continuing to linger in South Sudan, and rising intercommunal violence in some areas. Women and girls are not yet reaping the dividends of peace, she added, noting that instead, sexual violence has actually risen since 2018. No lasting solution can be reached without urgently countering such crimes, which affect not only women and girls, but also men and boys, she pointed out. As for displaced people, she emphasized that conditions must be truly favourable for people to be able to return to their homes. They must be properly informed and enjoy full security, she added. In that regard, she laid out several functions that UNMISS can take up, including the protection of civilian sites so as to enhance their safety and security.

JOANNA WRONECKA (Poland), while describing the signing of the Revitalized Agreement as a significant milestone towards peace, nevertheless expressed concern that several of its fundamental provisions — including on establishing transitional security arrangements and the conclusion of the Independent Boundaries Commission’s work — are yet to be implemented, and the timelines set by the Agreement are being missed. Welcoming the fact that the permanent ceasefire has largely been respected across the country, she nevertheless expressed grave concern about increased levels of intercommunal violence, persisting tensions, as well as sexual violence against women and girls. “We are appalled by the heinous attacks in and around Benitu,” she said, condemning the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war in the strongest possible terms. Stressing the need to end such violence, she called for accountability and joined appeals that the Government spare no effort in bringing the perpetrators to justice. Since there can be no durable peace without inclusiveness, women and young people must be fully represented in the peace process, she emphasized, noting also that regional engagement will remain crucial.

JERRY MATTHEWS MATJILA (South Africa) urged the Government and other parties to do everything in their power to complete the establishment of the mechanisms and committees prescribed by the Agreement, adding that the return of former Vice‑President Riek Machar is crucial to the accord’s implementation. For its part, South Africa will continue to support the peace process through mediation efforts by President Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, in his capacity as Chair of the African Union’s High-level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan, and by Deputy President David Mabuza, in his capacity as Special Envoy to South Sudan. However, South Africa remains concerned about the slow progress and insufficient resources to ensure the Agreement is implemented, he said, adding that his delegation supports the renewal of the UNMISS mandate.

WU HAITAO (China) noted that work on the priorities outlined in the Revitalized Agreement is lagging behind, adding that the Council should offer more assistance by pushing the parties to implement the accord. The parties bear primary responsibility for implementing it, he emphasized, urging the international community to provide funding and technical support, while respecting South Sudan’s leadership role. Efforts should be made to support the African Union, IGAD and regional countries by pushing the parties to reach consensus on the implementation of political and security arrangements, as outlined in the Agreement, he added. Emphasizing the need to provide humanitarian and economic support, he reiterated China’s support for renewing the UNMISS mandate, notably its focus on helping the parties implement the Revitalized Agreement.

GBOLIÉ DESIRÉ WULFRAN IPO (Côte d’Ivoire) expressed concern over significant delays in attaining the goals for the pre-transition phase, emphasizing that the parties must come to grips with the substantive issues, notably by inserting provisions into the transitional constitution, establishing the Independent Transitional Boundary Commission and putting transitional security arrangements in place. He went on to praise the South Sudan United Front’s desire to participate in the peace process and encouraged the Government to respond favourably. Security sector reform should allow for the unification of belligerents and the creation of a disciplined army, he said, stressing also the need to establish transitional justice bodies, notably a hybrid court. With the numbers of internally displaced persons and refugees remaining high, the international community should help to create the conditions for their voluntary, safe and dignified return, he said, reiterating his delegation's support for the creation of a United Nations force to help overcome the crisis in South Sudan. He echoed the Secretary-General’s call to both strengthen the UNMISS mandate and make it more flexible.

JOB OBIANG ESONO MBENGONO (Equatorial Guinea) said the signing of the revitalized peace agreement was a significant step forward towards South Sudan’s return to peace and stability. The formation of the transitional Government was another important step, he said, calling on the parties to now work for the integration of the national security forces. The time has come to fully implement the peace agreement, both in letter and in spirit. Deploring the persistence of sporadic fighting across South Sudan, as well as continued violence against civilians, he called on the Government to bring those responsible for such crimes to justice. Attacks against UNMISS personnel and humanitarian workers are equally unacceptable. Welcoming the fact that some displaced persons are beginning to return home, he commended the parties for having put the interests of the country ahead of their own narrow priorities. As UNMISS is still critical for stability in the country, he joined other speakers in voicing support for an extension of its mandate.

MANSOUR AYYAD SH. A. ALOTAIBI (Kuwait) welcomed the return of political leaders to Juba, as well as the reunification efforts of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement (SPLM). Commending States in the region for their efforts to resolve the situation in South Sudan, he said the return of people to their homes from protection of civilian sites will help to further restore hope. He also echoed expressions of concern over fighting in Equatoria and voiced his delegation’s hope that UNMISS personnel will be granted freedom of movement across the country.

DIAN TRIANSYAH DJANI (Indonesia) said the Revitalized Agreement is the only option for ensuring lasting peace in South Sudan, and as such, the momentum generated by its signing must not be allowed to slip away. There is much work to be done on transitional security arrangements, incorporation of the Agreement into the Transitional Constitution, and resolving the boundaries and states issue. The need for international humanitarian assistance remains critical. As the peace process advances, there must be commensurate positive developments on the ground. Noting that non-signatory armed groups continue to be a source of insecurity, he expressed concern about clashes involving the National Salvation Front in Equatoria, and voiced support for continued outreach by the IGAD Special Envoy to non-signatories. The renewed UNMISS mandate must include support for implementing the Revitalized Agreement, in cooperation with the Government, he said.

ANNE GUEGUEN (France), Council President for March, spoke in her national capacity, saying the opportunity presented by South Sudan’s Revitalized Agreement must not be lost. Mutual trust among the parties is increasing, she said, adding that the Agreement’s full implementation is the only way forward. The more the parties wait, the more the process will fizzle out and combatants will become impatient. Echoing calls to urgently agree on security arrangements and border issues, she said States of the region — along with UNMISS — can help support those processes. Pointing out that intercommunal violence continues, as spotlighted recently by the Human Rights Council, she added that the level of sexual violence remains unacceptably high. Mobile courts are a useful initiative that should continue, she said, also calling for the swift establishment of a hybrid court. Meanwhile, she also called for expediting humanitarian assistance, continuing efforts to protect civilians, facilitating refugee returns and using sanctions to deter sexual violence crimes.

AKUIE BONA MALWAL (South Sudan) said the security, peace and economic situation in South Sudan has “improved noticeably” since the signing of the Revitalized Agreement, with confidence-building measures — a prerequisite for peace — seen in the return of many opposition leaders to Juba. Peace implementation is progressing “slowly but surely”, he said noting that President Salva Kiir Mayardit is touring the Greater Bahr El Ghazal region in the company of opposition leaders. Touching on other gains, he said the National Dialogue Regional Conferences have started, with the first one concluded in Wau last week. The next one will be held in Greater Upper Nile region in the coming days, with the final conference to be held in the Greater Equatoria region before the end of May, he said. Refugees are returning voluntarily “in big numbers” and the internally displaced are leaving their camps. The economy is in the early stages of recovery, with consumer goods available and prices dropping in Juba’s markets. Yet, challenges persist, he noted, explaining that peace implementation is moving slowly due to inadequate funding. The Government will carry on, “using whatever means and resources are available”, he said, urging the Council to work with IGAD and the African Union to convince the few opposition movements which opted out of the Agreement to sign up and join the peace process.

For information media. Not an official record.

Introduction

Kenya hosts 475 000 refugees and asylum seekers from neighbouring countries who are fully dependent on humanitarian assistance for their basic needs. Voluntary repatriation of Somali refugees from Kenya has continued, regardless of the insecurity, drought, and forced evictions in their home country. Consistent access to enough food and water remains patchy in pockets of the population. The European Union continues its long-standing assistance to refugees in Kenya and responds to disaster-related emergencies.

What are the needs?

Kenya hosts nearly half a million refugees and asylum seekers mainly from South Sudan, Somalia, and the Great Lakes region. Kenya has an encampment policy, meaning that refugees are mainly confined to camps and are almost entirely dependent on aid. Lack of funding has led to food ration cuts for many refugees. Since the beginning of 2018, around 5 470 Somalis have been assisted to voluntarily return to Somalia despite the insecurity and dearth of basic services in their home country.

Persistent unpredictable weather has brought about critical food shortages for millions of Kenyans. The short rainy season at the end of 2018 started late and was not sufficient across most of the country. As a result, for the first five months of 2019, food availability will suffer, especially in the dry and arid counties. In some areas, there are forecasts that the situation will be so strained that the affected communities will require assistance.

As a result of internal conflict in Ethiopia, since July 2018, over 55 000 people have crossed the border, into the town of Mandera in Kenya. Most of the displaced Ethiopians in Kenya have been taken in by the host community. While they have access to health centres and education, access to water remains a great concern. Where water is available, the resources are overstretched and could be depleted shortly if the displaced people do not return to their home country or if humanitarian assistance is not stepped up.

HIGHLIGHTS

• Insecurity in Yei results in unknown number of civilian deaths, prevents 15,000 people from receiving aid

• Health actors continue EVD awareness and screening activities

• WFP conducts first road delivery to central Unity

KEY DEVELOPMENTS

• Ongoing violence between Government of the Republic of South Sudan (GoRSS) and opposition forces near Central Equatoria State’s Yei area has displaced an estimated 7,400 people to Yei town since December and is preventing relief agencies from reaching more than 15,000 additional people seeking safety outside of Yei, the UN reports.

• Approximately 6.2 million people in South Sudan experienced Crisis, Emergency, and Catastrophe—IPC 3, 4, and 5—levels of food insecurity in January, and up to 6.5 million people will experience Crisis or worse levels of food insecurity from February through April, according to the latest IPC analysis. 5 Food security conditions will continue to worsen through July, when nearly 6.9 million people will likely experience Crisis, Emergency, and Catastrophe levels of food insecurity, IPC reports.

South Sudan - Crisis Fact Sheet #4, Fiscal Year (FY) 2019

Juba, 8 March 2019: In line with its mandate to promote and enhance peace and security in the continent, the African Union (AU) Peace and Security Council (PSC) undertook a field mission to the Republic of South Sudan from 5 to 8 March 2019. The mission took place in the framework of the implementation of various decisions of the Council on the situation in South Sudan. In particular, the Council aimed at following up on the implementation status of the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of Conflict in South Sudan (R-ARCSS) signed on 12 September 2019, as well as expressing solidarity with the people of South Sudan. In this light, it is worth noting that this is the third field mission of the AUPSC since October 2016. Indeed, this mission also complements the visits of the AU High Level Ad Hoc Committee on South Sudan (AUHLCSS - AU-C5), and the AU Inter-departmental Taskforce on Post-Conflict Reconstruction and Development undertaken in late 2018.

The PSC delegation comprising representatives of the fifteen Member States namely: Congo, Ambassador Lazare Makayat Safouesse; Egypt, Ambassador Osama Mahmoud Abdelkhalik; Kenya, Ambassador Catherine Muigai Mwangi; Nigeria, Ambassador Bankole Adeoye and Zimbabwe, ambassador Albert R. Chimbindi, as well as Angola, Djibouti, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Liberia, Morocco, Nigeria, Rwanda, Sierra Leone, Togo and Zambia. The PSC delegation was led by Her Excellency, Catherine Muigai Mwangi, Ambassador/Permanent Representative of the Republic of Kenya to the African Union, who is the Chairperson of the PSC for the month of March 2019. During the mission, the delegation held consultations with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Honourable Nhial Deng Nhial, Members of the National Pre-Transitional Committee, Members of the Steering Committee of the National Dialogue, the Special Representation of the Secretary General of the United Nations (UN), Head of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), as well as the Reconstituted Joint Monitoring and Evaluation Commission (R-JMEC) and the Ceasefire and Transitional Security Arrangements Monitoring Mechanism (CTSAMM). The delegation also met with the African Diplomatic Corps, the international partners and representatives of the civil society organizations in Juba. During its visit to Yei River State, which has recently witnessed pockets of increased insecurity/or conflict, the PSC delegation met with the traditional leaders, youth, women and leaders of faith-based organizations, as well as the representatives of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) from the Atende IDP Camp. The delegation also participated and delivered a statement at the 4th R-JMEC plenary session, which took place on 7 March 2019, in Juba.

In all its meetings, the delegation expressed the solidarity and total support of the African Union towards the fully implementation of the R-ARCSS in finding lasting peace in South Sudan, and also strongly urged all parties to the conflict to uphold their commitments to the implementation of the Revitalized Agreement by making necessary sacrifices, allow for genuine participation with a view of rebuilding a peaceful South Sudan and create conditions for development activities. In this respect, the PSC delegation called upon all armed groups and movements that have not yet done so, to sign and adhere to the R-ARCSS without further delay.

In light of the foregoing, the PSC, in it’s the interactions with all stakeholders, reconfirmed the readiness of the AU to spare no efforts in supporting the accelerated implementation of the R-ARCSS. The PSC noted in its remarks to the R-JMEC that South Sudan holds promise for a safer and secure region and consequently where South Sudan goes, this region will follow. It is therefore imperative that the international community remains resolute in the pursuit for peace, stability and development in South Sudan. The PSC further noted that there have been concerns over the manner in which the Revitalized Agreement was reached and suggestions on how to better make it hold. In this light, it underscored that mutually agreed approaches should be found, in order to put an end to the suffering of the people of South Sudan.

The PSC delegation reiterated the AU’s appreciation to IGAD, neighbouring countries and UNMISS, as well as international partners, for their relentless efforts to help restore sustainable peace, security and stability in South Sudan.

The PSC delegation noted the progress in the state of peace and security in the country and commended the Government of the Republic of South Sudan, UNMISS and other stakeholders for facilitating its Field Mission, as well as to the AU Special Representative of Chairperson of the Commission and the Head of the AU Liaison Office, Ambassador Joram Biswaro, and staff for the valuable support to the Delegation.

The Council will issue a formal Report on the outcome of its Mission to South Sudan soon.

Key Messages

Wheat, maize, rice and, and sorghum are important staple foods in East Africa. Domestic sorghum production makes important contributions to national food supply in Sudan, South Sudan and Somalia (82, 76 and 55 percent, respectively), and smaller amounts in Ethiopia and Uganda (18 and ten percent, respectively).

This report summarizes the supply and market outlook for sorghum in Ethiopia, Somalia, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda. The outlook period follows the 2018/19 marketing year (MY), spanning from October 2018 to September 2019 and covering two main harvests—2018/2019 October-to-February harvest the 2019 June-to-August harvest. While the October-to-February harvest data estimates are more reliable, the June-to-August harvests are estimates and may be updated as data becomes available.

Sorghum harvest concluded in East Africa by January. Preliminary production estimates suggest that the two structurally surplus countries of Uganda and Ethiopia had above average harvest while Sudan’s production was below average. However, after incorporating domestic demand, Figure 2 shows that Ethiopia and Sudan will have below average surpluses, and that regional surpluses will also be below average despite above average total regional production. A significant import requirement is expected in South Sudan, which is expected to pull supplies from Sudan and Uganda.

Although sorghum prices are expected to be above-average because of below average production in South Sudan, Sudan, the Somali region of Ethiopia and northern Somalia, price elevation will mostly be driven by high inflation, currency depreciation and domestic conflict. The rest of region is likely to have near average prices.

The aggregate regional sorghum surplus for the 2018/19 MY is estimated to reach less than half of regional average levels. Given the below average surplus, market-based response activities of sorghum or any substitute commodities should consider the projected market and trade dynamics put forth in this report. Monitoring performance of upcoming harvests and macroeconomic issues (especially in Sudan and South Sudan) will be essential in 2019.