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An average of almost 2,000 refugees have entered refugee camps in Uganda from South Sudan since July 2016, reports global child rights charity Plan International UK.
Worrying the numbers in the month of September are almost 3,000. The majority are under 14 years of age, traumatised and in need of emergency aid.
Alarmingly, even more at risk as road blocks are leaving thousands stuck in conflict zone areas and in need of emergency aid.
Those who do make it to Uganda face limited resources as camps struggle to deal with the rising numbers in need. Plan International UK warns that urgent action is needed.
Rashid Javed, Country Director for Plan International Uganda, says: “The numbers of children at risk is staggering. Many of them have travelled here alone leaving behind families they may never see again.
“The children who are struggling to get through road blocks to safety are at immediate risk of violence, exploitation and many might not make it.
“Malnutrition is high amongst those first entering the refugee settlement and cholera is always a risk in these conditions. There are also thousands of children here with special needs who are especially vulnerable. We urgently need more support.
Tanya Barron, Plan International UK Chief Executive says: “It’s a matter of urgency that more is done to help vulnerable children fleeing violence from South Sudan.
“We are calling on the international community to increase its relief efforts. We urgently need more emergency medicine, food, water and sanitation facilities to deal with the rising numbers.
“We also need child protection and education facilities so that we can help traumatised children to recover from their experiences.”
To date, over 400,000 refugees from South Sudan are currently living in camps. Of these 80% are under 14 years of age and 85% are women.
To support Plan International UK visit http://www.plan-uk.org/
