IOM – International Organization for Migration

Published purpose

March 2014 - The complex humanitarian situation in South Sudan has become worse since fighting broke out between government and anti-government forces in Juba, the capital city, in December 2013. The United Nations estimates that over 1,000 people have been killed and hundreds of thousands more wounded. The fighting has displaced some 740,000 people from their homes within South Sudan, and more than 123,400 South Sudanese refugees have sought protection in neighbouring countries (Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda). Agricultural production has been disrupted, and essential basic services, such as water points, schools, and medical facilities have been shut down or destroyed in the fighting. Immediate humanitarian assistance needs include food, health care, shelter, protection, water, sanitation and hygiene. With the support of DFATD and other donors, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) is providing emergency assistance to between 75,000 and 200,000 internally displaced people in South Sudan. Project activities include: (1) registering and assessing the needs of internally displaced people who are seeking refuge in the bases of the United Nations Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS); (2) providing appropriate shelter and basic relief items, such as cooking utensils and water containers; and (3) providing safe drinking water and adequate sanitation facilities that ensure the proper treatment and disposal of sewage wastewater.