A Glimpse of Life for IDPs on a UN Base in South Sudan
January 28, 2015
In December 2013, conflict ignited in Juba, South Sudan, and soon spread throughout the country. Tens of thousands of civilians fled to United Nations bases for protection. Today, fighting continues, and more than 100,000 South Sudanese are sheltering under the protection of UN peacekeeping forces. Near the besieged town of Bentiu, in the country’s north, many civilians are fearful that they will be harmed – or even killed – if they leave the confines of the UN base. Aid organizations are providing lifesaving services. However, the current camp lies in a flood plain, so there is a rush to prepare new land and drainage systems before the next rainy season begins in April.
The UN protection site in Bentiu is filled with thousands of young children caught up in the brutal war between President Slava Kiir and the former vice-president, Riek Machar.The already crowded camp has received thousands of new arrivals in recent weeks, including people fleeing both fighting and food insecurity.Boys play soccer in one of the camp’s open spaces. Safe recreational ares are critical for this population, which has experienced severe trauma.An influx of aid, including the provision of clean water, has helped keep people alive. But currently, aid workers — and provisions — can only reach Bentiu by air, which requires enormous donor support.During last year’s rainy season, the camp was devastated by flooding. Displaced people and aid workers spent weeks living in more than two feet of water. This could be repeated once the rains return this spring.There is an urgent need to redesign the site within the next few weeks. Heavy equipment is slowly moving toward the site, but local authorities need to approve the use of new land.UN forces are charged with protecting the camp’s residents. However shelling continues nearby, and observers fear that fighting is becoming more severe.Camp residents say that warring parties must reach an agreement before they can go home. So far, their plea has been ignored, and the international community must keep pushing for peace.
