What is the situation in South Sudan?
Two prolonged civil wars between the North and South have left four million people homeless and killed approximately two million. Since a largely peaceful independence referendum for South Sudan in January 2011, the country celebrates its declaration of independence on 9 July 2011 to become known as the Republic of South Sudan. Approximately 700,000 displaced people, half of whom are children, have already returned to South Sudan. They now find themselves in temporary camps and children, in particular, are very vulnerable. Recent political and civil unrest has led to the internal displacement of an extra 100,000 people from the disputed state of Abyei, with a significant number moving to Warrap State, South Sudan.
Issues faced: Emergency Food aid, Child protection, advocacy, displaced children, tracing and reuniting families, psychosocial care to homeless children and families.
Focus countries: South Sudan.
Why is World Vision in South Sudan?
Warrap State has seen the recent return of thousands of families, adding to pressures on limited basic services. World Vision, in partnership with the World Food Programme is currently assisting about 300,000 families and children in the Upper Nile State, providing food, water and sanitation. Many of the children have become separated from their families or caregivers, and are looking after younger siblings. Shelter, sanitation and hygiene facilities in the transition facilities are poor. Above all, the children are at increased risk of abuse and exploitation.
How can you get involved?
The displaced children in South Sudan need your help now. They need immediate food and to be protected and reunited with their families. You can help us by making a donation today and giving vital support to:
- Emergency food aid
- Help trace and reunite families
- Establish child-friendly spaces, and train staff and volunteers
- Provide protection services and psychosocial care to displaced families
Your generous support will help give these vulnerable children a future. They need our help today.
Where World Vision is partnering with the World Food Programme, every $1 given will provide $6 worth of vital aid.
Rebecca Achol Bol and her children, Monica Atiang and 7-year old Boana Deng, wait to be treated at a clinic in Kuajok, Warrap State.
For Rebecca Achol Bol, coming home to South Sudan after 20 years of refuge in Khartoum, was something she was eagerly anticipating. Though she was aware that her country had been devastated by decades of civil war, she and her two small children were not prepared for life in a temporary camp without basic services. "I hoped for something better. Now, we don't even have a place to sleep. The children are out in the cold, constantly coughing," she said. Rebecca's son, 7-year-old Boana Deng, also feels the strain. "Here are many problems. I am not going to school and there is little to eat. I get sick a lot, because of sleeping in the open. There are a lot of mosquitoes and they bite me," Boana Deng says. With your help, we can support families like Rebecca and her two children, to look forward to a better future in their new country.
Children in South Sudan participate in a child protection campaign.
Key Facts:
- Two prolonged civil wars in Sudan have left four million people homeless.
- South Sudan celebrates its independence on 9 July 2011.
- About 300,000 have returned to South Sudan for a new future, but many are now homeless and living in temporary camps.
- Shelter, sanitation and hygiene facilities in the camps are poor.
- Children are at increased risk of abuse and exploitation.
- World Vision, the World Food Programme, UNICEF and other agencies are working together to help feed and protect families and children.
