HIGHLIGHTS
Fighting since December 15 has internally displaced approximately 646,400 people.
Relief organizations have reached nearly 291,000 people with humanitarian assistance since hostilities began on December 15.
More than 2,200 children received measles vaccinations at the UNMISS base in Bor town, Jonglei State.
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
· Population displacement continues to increase as insecurity persists across South Sudan, with violence displacing approximately 770,000 people—both internally and as refugees to neighboring countries—since December 15, according to the U.N. The majority of internally displaced persons (IDPs) are located in rural areas outside of UNMISS bases, with approximately 76,500 IDPs sheltering at UNMISS sites across the country.
· Unpredictable security conditions continue to impede humanitarian access to conflict-affected areas, resulting in insufficient humanitarian staffing, the closure of health care facilities, and the theft of humanitarian assets. However, relief agencies continue to respond to humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations where access and security allow. USAID/OFDA partner the U.N. Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) has resumed flights to previously unreachable areas, such as Bentiu town, Unity State, and Bor town, Jonglei State.
· During the week of January 27, Under-Secretary-General and Emergency Relief Coordinator (ERC) Valerie Amos is visiting South Sudan to attend high-level meetings to discuss expanding aid operations and improving access to communities in need. The ERC’s visit underscores ongoing international efforts to ensure the protection of civilians and aid workers, as well as advocacy for immediate and unconditional humanitarian access to all areas of South Sudan.