Statement on violence in South Sudan

Monday, 11 July 2016

“Once again, South Sudan is facing another unnecessary wave of violence and death, forcing people to flee. What should have been a joyous celebration of the country’s fifth year of independence instead led to one of the bloodiest outbreaks in years,” says Peter Walsh, Save the Children’s Country Director in South Sudan.

“Nearly 300 people have died, with five children reportedly among the wounded. Children, including the thousands that were separated from their families due to the conflict in 2013, continue to suffer because of brutal violence. In the first quarter of 2016 alone, more than 5,000 children have been victims of grave violations, including incidents of recruitment and use of children by armed forces.

“The national and international community must act now to prevent any further escalation of violence and find a long-term solution to the crisis. We are calling upon all warring parties in South Sudan to cease immediately in the interest of protecting all civilians.”

Save the Children has been working in South Sudan for more than 20 years and continues to offer life-saving services with emergency response and longer term development programmes in six out of the Country’s ten former states. All programmes are currently operating as normal but with high vigilance. Save the Children will continue to monitor the situation and assess the safety of all staff