The recent ceasefire in South Sudan is a sign of political progress, but the parties now must honor their commitments and put an end to hostilities. Our priority is to redouble efforts to help refugees, while at the same time ensuring the communities hosting them have full access to water, health facilities, schools and food.
The situation
Since fighting between government troops and rebel forces erupted in South Sudan on 15 December:
- About 740,000 people have fled their homes and are now displaced within South Sudan.
- More than 76,000 people have sought refuge at various UN compounds across the country. In Juba, 80% of displaced people are women and children.
- 123,000 people have fled to neighboring countries, many of whom had to cross the Nile River on their way to Uganda, leaving everything they had behind and risking their lives.
- Around 300,000 people have been reached with humanitarian aid by international aid agencies
The UN is seeking $209 million for the most immediate needs, of which 109 million have been funded so far.
Since mid-December, over 63.000 refugees have arrived in Northern Uganda’s Arua and Adjumani districts. Our teams are witnessing acute shortages of clean drinking water, health facilities and basic sanitation. These gaps must quickly be filled in order to stem a growing public health risk to both the refugee community and the Ugandan villages that are hosting them.
What Oxfam is doing
We've reached more than 116,000 people in three locations in South Sudan with water, health and sanitation equipment. We’ve also started responding to urgent needs of refugees and hosting communities in Uganda.
Awerial
- Across Awerial (also known as the Lakes County) Oxfam has set up depots to provide an average of 541,333 liters of purified water daily. We have built a total of 245 latrines and installed 84 hand washing stations.
- We plan to build 1500 latrines at a rate of a minimum 50 per day using its proven community-engagement approach.
- Demonstrations on how to use PUR water purification tablets have been well attended by thousands of people and over 23,000 people have been reached with key hygiene messages.
Juba
Inside the Juba UN compound, we are working closely with local organizations:
- We have reached 13,500 people with clean water, and deliver an average of 15 liters per person per day;
- We installed 178 latrines and new bathing shelters;
- We run training classes on hygiene;
- We organize environmental cleaning campaigns;
- Our charcoal distribution project is addressing one of the greatest needs in the camps – lack of fuel to cook food.
Oxfam in the region
Oxfam has been present in Southern Sudan since 1983, providing humanitarian aid to victims of conflict, drought and floods, as well as long-term development assistance to some of the most vulnerable communities. Over this time, we’ve helped more than 500,000 people and we are committed to sustained assistance during this current crisis.
Donate
Please consider helping fund our humanitarian aid work in Sudan and South Sudan. These Oxfam affiliates are running direct appeals:
Oxfam America
Oxfam Australia
Oxfam GB
Oxfam Intermón
You can also make a donation to the general emergency fund of your nearest national Oxfam affiliate. Your money will be used to fund our emergency work worldwide, which includes responding in countries such as South Sudan.
Updated 19 February 2014.