The Ongoing Humanitarian Crisis in South Sudan: A Call for Global Attention
The civil war in South Sudan has led to a significant humanitarian crisis, displacing approximately 12 million individuals. UNICEF warns that children are particularly at risk of sexual abuse amidst this turmoil. Refugees like Mary Atyeng and Amiema Mohamad have shared harrowing accounts of violence and loss, while the region grapples with ongoing instability and the need for humanitarian support.
In South Sudan, the ongoing civil conflict has resulted in a humanitarian crisis, leading to the displacement of approximately 12 million individuals. This situation, characterized as the world’s largest displacement crisis, encompasses around 30% of the population, with over a million crossing into South Sudan from Sudan since the conflict intensified in April 2023. The civil war, often overshadowed by global events, poses significant risks to the future of those affected, especially children.
Mary Atyeng, a refugee, recounted her harrowing escape from northern Sudan, where she witnessed violence firsthand, stating, “I ran away from the north because everyone was fighting, shooting guns and even using knives to slaughter people.” The conflict involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), exacerbated by the illicit trade of gold. Mary shared a traumatic experience where soldiers attacked her home, emphasizing the severe pain caused by the violence and her subsequent escape to safety in South Sudan.
UNICEF has raised alarms regarding the sexual abuse faced by children, some as young as one year old, in the region. Refugees like Amiema Mohamad described their own traumatic experiences, including the loss of family members and violence inflicted by soldiers, leading her to flee Khartoum with her three young children. She articulated a bleak future, stating, “I will not go back to Sudan because war is there.”
Moussa Adem, who fled Darfur, shared his own ordeal of losing a family member to violence, adding, “I lost my family member, he was shot in front of us.” The destruction of his family’s business further necessitated his escape, highlighting the pervasive fear that drives countless individuals to leave their homes.
Support services for refugees include mobile clinics operated by Concern Worldwide, which address immediate healthcare needs. Midwife Rebecca Dut Chan provided assistance to Mary Atyeng during her pregnancy amid the difficult conditions. Public health expert Emillia Mutya noted the challenges of managing emotional trauma within a history of instability, asserting that violent responses often replace amicable resolutions. Robert Akol Garang, a social worker, reported an alarming prevalence of gender-based violence, stating, “sometimes I have 15 or 20 GBV survivors per day to see,” while maintaining hope for change despite the prevailing adversity.
The situation in South Sudan remains dire, with the ongoing conflict resulting in significant displacement and violence. Refugees face numerous challenges, particularly concerning the safety of children, who are vulnerable to sexual abuse amidst this chaos. Furthermore, individuals like Mary, Amiema, and Moussa exemplify the human toll of this crisis. Continuous support and intervention are imperative to address their acute healthcare needs and to foster a path towards a more peaceful resolution.
Original Source: www.irishexaminer.com
