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Alert
South Sudan
South Sudan Emergency Preparedness and Response
Geneva, 9 October 2013
1. Brief description of the emergency and impact
Since South Sudan gained its independence, there have been numerous rebellions and militia groups that have led to insecurity and protection issues in the country. Lack of protection has also been caused by frequent inter and intra tribal/communal conflicts caused by cattle rustling .The most affected states include Warrap, Unity, Northern Bar el Ghazel, Jonglei , Upper Nile and Eastern Equatoria which have also seen high influx of refugees, IDPs due to conflicts. Other compounding factors such as returnees from Sudan, floods during peak of rainy season have also caused wide spread displacement of people.
The political climate in Abyei remains uncertain. Further displacement into South Sudan is anticipated in the event that Abyei referendum does not happen in 2013 as stipulated in the cooperation agreement. over 110,000 people were displaced from Abyei into Warrap State were dependent on humanitarian aid although some have returned. In Unity and Upper Nile states there are over 190,000 refugees while in Jonglei, Western Bar el Ghazel and Eastern Equatoria, there are over 22,000 who have either been displaced or returnees with dire needs. These people have lost their livelihoods and food stocks and other possessions and are therefore solidly depending on humanitarian food aid which is not sufficient. In total an estimated number of 43,000 refugees, and IDPs and returnees need humanitarian assistance as they are still not able to build stronger resilience in the new place.
The long protracted civil war has also resulted in contamination from explosive remnants of war (ERW), which continues to pose a humanitarian threat to the civilian population. Several communities have lived with the threat of ERW such as land and antipersonnel mines for many years and the accident rates remain high with at least 4,757 victims recorded (from the 2006 to 2012). This also affects IDPs, refugees and returning populations who are susceptible to this threat as they are often not familiar with the surroundings. The removal of ERW will therefore contribute to the process of minimizing insecurity and securing protection of access to basic rights.
2. Why is an ACT response needed?
There is need to pre-position relief items and develop contingency plans to protect and save lives of the vulnerable groups affected by floods, refugee crisis, internal displacement, ERW and recurrent conflict within South Sudan.
3. National and international response
International NGOs and UN agencies continue to provide needed humanitarian response to the affected people. This assistance has been inadequate due to funding constraints.. 3. In Abyei, there has been deployment of UN Interim Security force for Abyei (UNISFA) with a mandate to protect civilians.
4. ACT Alliance response
ACT members in South Sudan have been responding to the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan through distributed NFI kits to IDPs and refugees, supported construction of Emergency learning spaces, peace building and psychosocial support within and outside the appeal. The next appeal will ensure continuation of these activities and the assist in the removal of ERW.
The estimated cost of the proposed response is $ 2,338,586 that will serve over 54,575 beneficiaries.
ACT members in South Sudan are: LWF, DCA, FCA, NCA, Diakonie emergency aid, ICCO and KIA, Christian aid, SCC, EED, LWF – DWS, Diakonie Sweden, World Renew,UMCOR, PRDA.
5. Planned activities
Conduct humanitarian assessments in coordination with other NGOs and UN agencies and provide support with: non food items, water/sanitation/hygiene, education, mine risk education and landmine clearance, peace building and psychosocial support.
6. Constraints
Funding: Kindly indicate your support to the proposed program by the end of November 2013 to enable the forum members to plan effectively.
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Any funding indication or pledge should be communicated to Jean-Daniel Birmele, Director of Finance (jbi@actalliance.org)
