HIGHLIGHTS
Death toll from violence sparked in South Sudan in mid-December far exceeds 1,000, U.N. reports.
Number of South Sudanese refugees in Uganda now 32,000.
Nutrition and health activities, including immunization campaigns, continue to reach additional displaced populations throughout the country.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
On January 9, Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Hervé Ladsous reported that the death toll stemming from ongoing violence that broke out in South Sudan on December 15 is substantially higher than the 1,000 deaths cited to date. While no current casualty figures are available, the U.N. highlighted the critical situation throughout the country.
As of January 8, approximately 43,000 South Sudanese refugees had fled to neighboring countries, according to the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Approximately 32,000 South Sudanese refugees had arrived in Uganda, 4,700 in Kenya’s Kakuma Refugee Camp, and an estimated 6,000 in Ethiopia. Reports indicate an unconfirmed number of refugees have also sought refuge in Sudan.
Despite multiple challenges in affected areas and displacement sites—particularly in Awerial County, Lakes State; Bor, Jonglei State; Bentiu, Unity State; and Malakal, Upper Nile State—water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) conditions are gradually improving. Food, health care, shelter, safe drinking water, and sanitation services remain priority needs. Relief organizations have begun planning for additional displacement from active conflict zones, as well as for the upcoming rainy season.