The disaster
The escalating violence in the Republic of South Sudan has provoked a mass population displacement within South Sudan and into neighboring countries. Uganda has taken the bulk of refugees who have continued to cross the borders since the beginning of the conflict in mid - December 2013. The increasing number of arrivals from South Sudan means that tens of thousands of people are in dire need of emergency medical care, shelter, food, water and adequate sanitation facilities. In addition, hundreds of unaccompanied minors and displaced persons have lost touch with families back in South Sudan. As of 28 January 2014, more than 60,000 South Sudanese refugees had crossed into Uganda through Arua, Adjumani and Koboko districts. These numbers are expected to increase as the conflict continues between the Government of South Sudan and the opposition, despite the Peace Agreement signed by both parties on January 23rd, 2014.
Given this situation, this Emergency Appeal seeks CHF 1,722,559 to enable the IFRC to support the Red Cross and Red Crescent response to improve the living conditions of around 25,000 South Sudanese refugees (5,000 families) for six months by providing safe water, shelter, and improved access to health services. The response articulated here reflects the information available at this point, and will be adjusted based on the actual situation and further information from more detailed assessments.