South Sudan Conflict. 1. Map. 2. ECHO Recommandations / Action ECHO CRISIS REPORT N 14

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1 South Sudan Conflict ECHO CRISIS REPORT N 14 Period covered 08/02/2014 to 24/02/ Map Time of validity (UTC) ECHO Field Office Juba (with input from ECHO offices in the region) Number of deaths and wounded since 15 December 2013 No reliable data. The number of deaths is most likely well above Number of people in need in South Sudan due to the current crisis Over 7 million people are at risk of food insecurity with 3.7 million at crisis and emergency phases according to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC). Number of new internally displaced people since 15 Dec At least people (UNOCHA) Number of people seeking refuge at UNMISS compounds people (UNMISS) Number of new South Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries since 15 Dec refugees (UNOCHA) Number of refugees in South Sudan refugees (UNHCR) ECHO Emergency Contact Tel.: Fax: echo-ercc@ec.europa.eu 2. ECHO Recommandations / Action Despite the agreement on a cessation of hostilities, fighting continues on the ground. Parties of the conflict must be reminded of their obligations under International Humanitarian Law, in terms of protection of civilians, respect of humanitarian personnel and assets, and facilitation of humanitarian access to all affected populations. The violence against civilians must end. The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan has further deteriorated. Given the scale of the crisis, the European Commission/DG ECHO welcomes the United Nations' activation of a Level 3 (L3) humanitarian system-wide emergency response for South Sudan, the highest level of a humanitarian crisis. It calls for an immediate L3 implementation in terms of scaling-up staffing, resourcing and operational support. There are growing concerns that not all crisisaffected people will receive life-saving assistance due to lack of resources, access, insecurity and/or logistical constraints. ECHO Crisis Report n 14 South Sudan Conflict Page 1 of 16

2 DG ECHO appeals to the UN System and its agencies, NGOs, diplomatic and donor community to step up their efforts in facilitating and delivering innovative, appropriate, timely and appropriate aid in an attempt to limit the consequences of the looming humanitarian catastrophe. In this respect, DG ECHO believes that one of the ways to speed up the humanitarian response is a decentralisation of decision-taking. Agencies and the coordination system should allow for decisions to be taken and implemented on county or local payam/sub-county level rather than in state capitals or indeed Juba. A voluntary return, or relocation, and reintegration of internally displaced persons (IDP) would in principle be the most desirable durable solution for the people concerned. However, the conditions (including security) for any voluntary movement must be right and the United Nations' Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) must ensure not getting involved in any forced IDP return and/or re-grouping along ethnic lines. Promises of assistance should not be used as a push factor for IDP relocation. While additional funding for the revised inter-agency South Sudan Crisis Response Plan is urgently required just 17% of the USD1.27 billion plan were funded on 13 February, DG ECHO also urges the Humanitarian Country Team to implement a multi-sectorial approach in prioritisation of aid delivery with a focus on high impact activities to reduce excess mortality. In view of the limited financial resources available and with so many conflicting and urgent needs, the coordination mechanisms on various levels need to work perfectly to ensure that all available resources are used for helping the most vulnerable at risk of losing their lives, and that no resources are "wasted". The South Sudanese crisis has a regional dimension which deserves more attention. ECHO is extremely concerned that humanitarian organisations face serious challenges in delivering appropriate response to South Sudanese refugees in places such as Sudan and Ethiopia. ECHO calls on all relevant partners, particularly on UNHCR, to take up immediate efforts in provision of adequate assistance to South Sudanese that had to seek refuge outside their country. Continued and strengthened advocacy for an immediate "prima facie" recognition of a refugee status by a State is increasingly urgent. 3. Situation The conflict which erupted in Juba on 15 December 2013 created a major sudden crisis on top of an existing protracted humanitarian crisis: An estimated people have been displaced inside South Sudan since the conflict began end of last year. They come on top of the internally displaced persons (IDP) who had already been displaced before the fighting erupted. Then there were more than refugees who were hosted inside South Sudan and continue to be so. To these refugees now come South Sudanese who have fled their country seeking refuge in Uganda, Ethiopia, Sudan and Kenya. Despite the cessation of hostilities agreement of 23 January and a continuation of political talks between government and opposition in Addis Ababa, heavy clashes erupted in Malakal, the state capital of Upper Nile. Smaller scale but violent skirmishes between the disputing parties constitute a daily occurrence in many parts not just of Upper Nile but also Unity and Jonglei States. These clashes do not only cause severe economic damage, but above all continue causing human suffering of people in the affected areas. The fighting has resulted in new population displacements, particularly in Uror County in Jonglei. The large scale displacement also causes great concern with regard to the upcoming planting season: March and April is the main planting season. If hundreds of thousands of people are not able to plant because of continued insecurity, a famine could be looming. Despite the worrying and volatile situation on the ground, there is little progress reported from the talks in Addis. Page 2 of 16

3 Given the scale and complexity of the crisis, the Under-Secretary General for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, declared a Level 3 (L3) Humanitarian System-Wide Emergency Response for South Sudan. It is expected that this move on one side will streamline and facilitate the response of the humanitarian actors, who continue to struggle in delivering the most basic relief, and on the other side would spark further mobilisation of donor resources which are vital for sustaining hundreds of thousands of lives within next couple of months in the country. The UN Mine Action Service (UNMAS) found up to eight cluster bomb remnants and an unspecified number of unexploded sub-munitions, called "bomblets", by a stretch of road 16 kilometers south of Bor, capital of Jonglei State, in an area "not known to be contaminated" before fighting broke out in South Sudan in mid-december. This new development is particularly dangerous and potentially puts civilians potentially at risk once they return to their homes. In the meanwhile, despite declarations to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid to people in need, the conflicting parties do not show an actual commitment on the ground to stick to their promises. Reports of harassments of IDPs in various forms arrive from the whole country. One of the more prominent examples is a recent decision by authorities to stop all aid (except water) to around IDPs gathered in Nimule, with the aim to force people to move to another locality in the country which is considered to be a more 'politically convenient place'. Other examples include people being prevented reaching the protection of civilians (PoC) areas at UNMISS bases, or pressure to close PoC areas even if IDPs hosted in them are not prepared to leave them. Such actions expose IDPs to more misery and suffering, and potentially endanger people's lives. Humanitarian access Humanitarian access to sites outside PoC areas, especially in Jonglei and Unity, remains extremely limited, hampering the ability of humanitarian organisations to reach pockets of IDPs. As this report is prepared entire communities in south of Bentiu, northern and southeastern parts of Upper Nile as well as huge areas of Jonglei remain without any aid, despite indications that life-saving interventions may be needed there. The main reason for the lack of access to these areas is poor security relating to continued fighting. In addition, the overall lack of rule of law, and the collapse of even the most basic functions of the administration, has exposed humanitarian organisations even more to harassment and red-tape i.e. from soldiers, militia members, corrupt officials, or traditional leaders. In recent days, ECHO's partners observed a steep increase in extortions of bribes from drivers of trucks carrying humanitarian goods. Anecdotal examples suggest that one expects to pay around USD in bribes for a bigger truck to pass between Juba and Bor. On various levels, all of parties to the conflict seem to exercise their power inappropriately by continuous looting and commandeering of humanitarian assets. NGOs and UN agencies report from across the country that their cars, generators, stocks of fuel, food, medicines, etc. remain in custody of local authorities, military or paramilitary groups. The fear of being looted forces many of the organisations to step up their security arrangements, and raises the question of armed escorts for humanitarian convoys. This in turn translates in adding extra costs and delays in aid delivery. Safety of assets, goods, and personnel during the process of transportation of those is especially worrisome, when considering the needs of pre-positioning before the rainy season during which up to 60% of the land is flooded. Pre-positioning of food and other items in South Sudan is challenging even during 'normal' times. It is already clear that the additional constraints mentioned above, as well as the scale of the humanitarian crisis will not allow for successful pre-positioning of all goods before rains start, and therefore it is essential that humanitarian agencies, as well as the donors participating in the response already prepare Page 3 of 16

4 now for the mobilising resources needed to air-lifts of goods during the rainy season, as this is going to be the only way of reaching people in absence of open roads (which will be flooded). Situation of refugees in South Sudan Concerns have emerged about the nutrition status of refugees in the Maban camps following an increase in kwashiorkor cases, a form of severe protein-energy malnutrition, identified at medical health facilities. UNHCR reports that global acute malnutrition (GAM) rates for children under 5 years of age reached 9,6% in Doro refugee camp and 7,2% in Kaya camp (in Maban county, Upper Nile). Rates in other camps are lower, although in general (with an exception of Gendrassa camp) all are higher than they were recorded in November (before the conflict started). Similarly, except Gendrassa, all camps in Maban recorded a higher crude mortality as of December, compared with November. The worsening indicators may be associated with delays and disruption of basic humanitarian services for the refugees due to the partial evacuation of humanitarian personnel from the area. The compromised security in South Sudan has a major impact on ensuring deliveries of food, non-food items and fuel (needed for example for water pumps) to the refugee camps in Unity and Upper Nile states. WFP is struggling to keep up with the demands for food; for the time being distributions have been reduced to two weeks' rations rather than usual 1 month' ones. UNHCR reports serious shortages of fuel so that it had to be rationed for water pumps in Maban. It is unlikely that the pre-positioning of goods will be completed before the rainy season which would consequently lead to higher costs for air transport. The most worrying effect of the ongoing crisis is an adverse effect on safety and security of refugees. The overall chaos that South Sudan is currently experiencing has caused an increase of harassment and intimidation of Sudanese refugees in Upper Nile and Unity states. Armed non-state actors from Sudan, such as SPLA-N and JAM, seem to have taken advantage of the general decrease of rule of law and the weakness of structures in South Sudan and have increased their military presence in the camps. Incidents of forced recruitment, child recruitment, intimidation, sexual violence, extortion of aid are at present at the highest level since the beginning of the refugee crisis. Looming food security crisis The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) noted that the recent developments in the country have dramatically worsened the food security prospects for 2014 and beyond. Most of the gains and improvements of last year are now compromised, and FAO estimates that around 7.2 million people will be at risk of food insecurity in 2014 (up from around 4 million in 2013), out of which one million will be in the emergency level (phase 4, the second highest of the IPC scale, the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification). An additional 2.2 million are expected to be in a crisis level situation (Phase 3/IPC). The highest risk of food insecurity is expected to be in Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity States. FAO is alerting to the possibility of South Sudan facing famine (Phase 5/IPC) if not enough efforts are undertaken. Ongoing clashes despite the cessation of hostilities Upper Nile State The security situation in the Greater Upper Nile region remains tense and extremely volatile, with massive displacement of civilian populations from the main towns to the remote areas. Heavy fighting in and around Malakal between opposition and government forces has been on and off in the last couple of days. Simultaneously, the situation at the UN base (hosting over IDPs) quickly deteriorated, with several reports of ethnic-based violence (between Nuer and Dinka) forcing the UNMISS force to step in. However, 17 died and more than 150 people were injured because of it. As this report is published, the situation in the town and its surroundings remain unstable, with both sides of the conflict claiming to control parts of the Page 4 of 16

5 city. This lack of stability has disastrous consequences for the delivery of much needed aid to the IDP in the PoC as well as people in need in the town and its surroundings. At least 91 staff of INGOs and UN agencies have reportedly requested the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) for assistance to relocate from Malakal. Around people, mainly Nuer, were reportedly heading from the PoC area at the UNMISS base in Malakal to the Sobat counties of Ulang, Nassir and Maiwut for safety reasons. UN OCHA is monitoring the situation. There will be need for an assessment to the Sobat counties. Juba and Central Equatoria The situation in Juba remains largely stable albeit reports of insecurity in PoC areas continuing. Targeted killing and ethnic-targeted cases of torture continue to be reported, including in Juba close to the UNMISS bases. Over-population in Tomping and UN House the two PoC areas in UNMISS bases in Juba is still largely responsible for public health and protection concerns already reported previously. Lack of space makes it virtually impossible for aid agencies to provide living conditions that are dignified, and safe for the residents. Temporary shelter at the UN House in Juba Eastern Euqatoria Authorities continue to put pressure on IOM and other aid organisations to relocate IDPs in Nimule at the border with Uganda. It is reported that about displaced persons plan to leave South Sudan. However, South Sudanese authorities seem to not want citizens to flee to Uganda (potentially under pressure from the Government of Uganda), and have threatened IDPs that the border would not be open for them and that there would be no humanitarian assistance. South Sudanese authorities have reportedly prevented medical aid agencies from treating patients. Humanitarian organisations would have been warned to deliver any aid to the IDPs of Nimule. Lakes State The security situation in Minkamman is relatively calm. However some sporadic firing and loud explosions are continuously heard in close vicinity to IDP camps. Armed actors are observed moving out of town in large numbers to unknown locations. This sparks rumours and fears of new attacks or counter-attacks from both sides of the conflict in the areas where IDPs reside. Given to the proximity of Lakes State with the belligerent states of Jonglei and Unity, aid organisations are not completely dismissing such rumours. Humanitarian actors are bracing for a worst case scenario and continue to struggle managing the security concerns of IDPs as well as their very own personnel. Page 5 of 16

6 Jonglei State According to UNDSS analysis, Bor remains relatively calm and should not expect any major attack. However the local population remains sceptical about the situation, fearing renewed fighting. Reports indicate that SPLA is planning to leave the town for the police forces and prison officers. The trend of increased movements into Bor town continues, however restrictions of outward movements are still in place, and despite some improvements, large parts of Bor continue to be empty, looking like 'a ghost town'. Unity State Bentiu and Rubkona are relatively calm without major movement restrictions within these two municipalities during daytime. The PoC of Bentiu is now largely decongested with reportedly approx people remaining within the perimeters of the camp under the protection of UNMISS. Despite some improvements, security in town is still problematic. Robberies and crime are much higher than usual. The significant crime rates are responsible for humanitarian agencies being sceptical about a return to their offices, preferring to stay and operate from the UNMISS compound. Despite many reports about the poor humanitarian situation in the southern part of Unity, aid agencies have not managed to provide any meaningful assistance due to security considerations but also lack of capacity. There is an urgent need for humanitarian agencies to consider operations in Leer, Koch, Panyajir and Mayendit counties. Warrap State The latest reports suggest that Makuac payam in Tonj East county and Acop payam in Tonj North county were attacked by armed groups coming from Unity state (Mayendit and Koch counties respectively) on 17 February. Details remain unknown but these attacks nevertheless highlight the volatility of the tri-state area of Unity-Warrap-Lakes States. Large numbers of opposition forces have reportedly moved into the aforementioned counties in Unity. Regional impact in neighbouring countries At least people have sought refuge in neighbouring countries ( in Uganda; in Ethiopia; in Sudan and in Kenya). UNHCR projects that the number could rise to by the end of the year. Ethiopia Over South Sudanese refugees had arrived in Gambella region (state-of-play 16 February). Mattar entry point is not receiving refugees anymore and all inhabitants have been moved to Leichtor camp. The main entry points are now Pagak and, to a lesser extent, Akobo/Tirgol. Interviews with new arrivals indicate that more people are on their way to Ethiopia. 92 % of arrivals are from the Nuer ethnicity. The number of South Sudanese refugees arriving in Benishangul Gumuz region through the Yablus corridor continues to be in low numbers. UNHCR is preparing to release another regional appeal which will include a revised planning figure of refugees. Over refugees have already been relocated from Mattar and Pagak to Leichtor with the support of IOM. The relocation of the Akobo/Tiergol caseload was postponed (again) but is imminent. Agnuak population (around 2 000) will be the first ones to be moved to Pugnido camp (Agnuak site). Sudan UNHCR reported that South Sudanese had entered Sudan since mid-december There is still lack of clarity from the Government on the status of those fleeing conflict in South Sudan. On 11 February, the Sudanese Minister of Foreign Affairs, Ali Karti, announced that those fleeing South Sudan will be treated like Sudanese citizens, based on the affirmation of the entry into force of the Four Freedoms Agreement. At the same time, it is reported that in Joda border crossing in White Nile State authorities are registering new arrivals and providing Page 6 of 16

7 them with foreigner status documentation which then allows them to move onwards to destinations further inside Sudan. UNHCR is trying to clarifying the situation. Access to affected populations has deteriorated, as well as the protection of vulnerable populations stranded in Kilo 10 and Al Alagaya 'relocation sites' in White Nile, not receiving adequate assistance and follow up. As fighting continues in Malakal, Upper Nile State, with an increased militarization of Renk, authorities have discussed the possibility of establishing a third relocation site to accommodate potential arrivals. Up to South Sudanese are projected to arrive. Within Al Alagaya relocation site around 80% are from the Nuer tribe, with the remaining 20% from the Shilluk tribe. There have been reports of conflicts based on tribal affiliation. To prevent the exacerbation of conflict amongst the two communities, services such as water distribution have been made available separately to each group. Kilo 10 relocation site contains almost exclusively individuals from the Shilluk tribe with a very small number of Nuba and Fur. Kenya As of 19 February the total new arrivals from South Sudan amounted to asylum seekers, bringing the total Kakuma refugee camp population to people. In the last two weeks, the refugee influx has varied between persons per day, a slight reduction of the average of 416 persons per day reported at the last ECHO Crisis Report on 7 February. 'Prima Facie' recognition of South Sudanese asylum seekers by the Government of Kenya is still not in place, despite efforts by the Department of Refugee Affairs (DRA). Sustained and reinforced advocacy for the application of Prima Facie recognition is needed. In Kakuma, the population is fast approaching the upper limit of for the camp, set by DRA. The need to establish another camp is critically urgent. A site in Nakururum (65 km north-west of Kakuma along the main road to Lokichoggio) that was pre-identified seems to be rejected by local communities as an important pastoral route. The local communities have instead proposed two other sites further towards Lokichoggio. These locations are currently being assessed for ground water supply. Continued and intensified advocacy for the need of a new camp site remains indispensable. Uganda Most of the new arrivals who have been registered in Uganda since fighting began in South Sudan are women and children (86%), according to the Office of the Prime Minister and UNHCR. The government has granted 'primae facie' recognition of South Sudanese asylum seekers. In February, a clear improvement in proper registration could be noted with more than 90% biometric registration processed. South Sudanese who have been supporting themselves so far or who are living with host communities are now regularizing their situation as refugees in Uganda as their chances of return in the short term are melting. If the influx remains at the current rate, the revised contingency planning figure of seems to be realistic. 4. Aid and assistance required / needs assessment Needs assessment findings from Central and Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Lakes and Warrap states indicate that a large proportion of displaced families has been absorbed by host communities, and are not living in concentrated groups. In some areas, the influx of displaced people is aggravating existing tensions with pastoralists populations. Congestion in various IDP sites especially in Tomping, Malakal and in Bor Protection of Civilian (PoC) IDP sites remains a public health concern. People in these camps are at high risk of epidemic prone disease such as meningitis and cholera. Congestion is also responsible for many protection problems: the lack of space creates a situation where it is increasingly difficult to keep calm and order among the frustrated residents, especially younger men. Page 7 of 16

8 Identified protection issues South Sudan s conflict has turned into a horrifying humanitarian and human rights crisis with substantial reports of mass atrocities, human rights violations and recruitment of child soldiers on all sides. Reports on serious child rights' violations in Unity and Eastern Equatoria states were the most recent. Targeted killings and ethnic-targeted cases of torture continue to be reported, including in Juba close to the UNMISS bases. In the view of ongoing serious protection problems, it becomes even more important to most carefully consider potential options for decongestion of various PoC areas. ECHO strongly advocates for and appeals to actors not to rush to any decision. UNMISS has a particular responsibility in this context. Any possible relocation of IDPs must be voluntarily, safe and dignified. It is most important that IDPs are not exposed to new threats in their new (old) environment. Assessed food security and livelihood risks 3.2 million people are at immediate risk of food insecurity ("crisis" and "emergency" phases), 2.5 million of whom are in Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei States. Food availability and access are expected to continue worsening for both IDP and non-idp populations. Prices for food commodities such of sorghum are soaring, with some commodities running out in areas isolated by fighting, with little to no possibility of replenishment. A major food and nutrition security crisis is looming given the lack of commercial access, difficulties in getting aid to affected communities, extensive displacement, abandonment and looting of crucial livelihood assets, as well as pre-crisis structural food insecurity. Juba UNMISS protection of civilians areas Central Equatoria In addressing the PoC de-congestion needs, the Government of China is supporting construction work for a new PoC area in Juba. While works are ongoing, UNMISS requires further support to strengthen perimeter defences and security around the new camp. Jonglei State There is no complete clarity over what the future holds for the PoCs in Bor. Unlike in Juba, the situation for Bor is more complicated, and there is yet no clear plan either on how a decongestion could work. At the moment, there is no construction plans for a new PoC area, Page 8 of 16

9 due to lack of space and support from authorities. The humanitarian actors, together with UNMISS are busy in working on possible ways of dealing with a decongestion in the camp. Except working in the PoC of Bor, the humanitarian actors are now preparing for assessments of reported population concentration areas north and south of Bor town which are reportedly accessible. Malou ( people) and Jaruang (700 people) are allegedly reachable by road. The population figures of most of the small islands on the river Nile are not known, the South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Committee recommends efforts to reach these people for accurate figures and proper understanding of their humanitarian needs. The humanitarian situation is reported to be deteriorating in Duk and Twic East counties. Unity State Civilians sheltering at UNMISS in the Unity State capital of Bentiu have moved to a new, more spacious and better-serviced camp within the mission compound. Meanwhile, UNMISS continue to provide security at the site. Upper Nile State Considering the latest development in Malakal, aid workers' security and access is at stake. At least 91 staff of INGOs and UN agencies requested departure from Malakal with first available flight. UNHAS is in contact with its Juba office and requested flights to be ready if conditions are met. This will further strain the delivery of humanitarian assistance urgently needed. As in case of Bor and Juba, the congestion of the Malakal PoC is the major concern, especially as there are very limited opportunities at extending the facility or constructing a new one. Lakes State With IDPs currently occupying private (farm) lands that will soon have to be planted, depending on when the rainy season starts, preparing new sites is now the utmost priority. Aid organisations have started with preparatory work of moving people to higher grounds, thus providing them with a safer environment and, at the same time, vacating the farmland. Regional impact in neighbouring countries Ethiopia Delivery of basic humanitarian assistance continues at a very slow pace. As much as new partners have arrived in the area to cover the increasing needs, the main challenge is logistics in the delivery of aid. All refugees have been registered at level 1 (household level). A registration of the individuals (level 2) has yet to take place. A very slow pace of the response is worrying especially in Pagak, where South Sudanese refugees are left without adequate response. The partners in the camp fail in providing adequate water, sanitation and health. There are no protection services in place, which makes especially children and women vulnerable to abuse. There is a need for an immediate step up of the humanitarian assistance in the camp to avert the situation to become a catastrophe. MSF-F reports an increasing number of diarrhoea at Leichtor camp and increasing malaria cases in Akobo/Tirgol and increasing morbidity and mortality. Leitchor site risks floods in the coming rainy season. ECHO strongly recommends to keep only a minimum number of refugees and to look for an alternative site (as in the UNHCR contingency plan). The idea to set up a transit centre in Burbe should be reviewed. Refugees from Tirgol/Akobo would need to be moved to the camps on arrival. The main gaps are in protection, sanitation/hygiene and shelter. Sudan In Sudan the situation is complex as the government has not agreed to recognize those crossing the border as refugees. There is little in the way of services in areas of arrival. Page 9 of 16

10 Kenya The measles outbreak is slowing down with no new cases reported in the last ten days. The first death of a one year old infant was recorded in the week of 10 February. A total of 99 cases have been recorded with 13 patients still in the Kakuma camp hospital. Formal registration has picked up with persons recorded in UNHCR s database, including finger printing. This corresponds to 42% of new arrivals (up from 25% at last ECHO crisis report). Agencies are struggling to strengthen child protection. Foster care has been arranged to 49 unaccompanied children, but with currently more than 300 unaccompanied children, adequate care remains a significant gap. Recruitment of ten additional social case workers is ongoing. Three child-friendly spaces are being finalized at the school site in Kakuma 4 (extension site). Temporary shelter construction continue to gain pace with almost shelter completed (up from at last ECHO crisis report). More than new arrivals have been transferred to residential plots in Kakuma 4 leaving a manageable less than 900 new arrivals in the Kakuma reception center. World Vision drilling rig has started drilling two boreholes in Kakuma 4 and one for the host community. Currently, about 10 liters of water per person is provided, against standard of liters. Drainage is being improved and latrines constructed with 1 latrine for every 26 persons, against standard of 1:20. Uganda Addressing the elevated public health risks, UNHCR has successfully decongested transit centers and relocated refugees to settlement sites. About 70% of new arrivals are relocated. The backlog in NFI kits which slowed down the relocation process has been largely cleared with most items in stock. In parallel, water supply is increasing reaching between 10 and 18l/d/p in settlements through rehabilitation of broken water points but mainly drilling new boreholes in progress, a sustainable replacement of water trucking still required especially in Arua district where less partners are present. Despite noticeable improvements, sanitation is still below standards in settlements, e.g. Nuymanzi settlement at 1:612 against an average for Adjamin district of 1:34 while in Arua the ratio in settlements is 1:200. Procurement of latrine slabs is reported as the main constraint hindering the construction and is currently being discussed between UNHCR and partners. WFP provides all new South Sudanese arrivals with high-energy biscuits at the border, cooked meals at reception centers and monthly dry food rations to those who have resettled. Disease surveillance and response is ongoing with measles mass campaigns implemented for both local and refugee population in affected areas, hence outbreak contained, and meningitis outbreak confirmed by Ugandan Health authorities under control with no death reported. The Ministry of Health is planning a mass vaccination campaign in the two affected sub counties in Adjumani. Heath conditions of refugees at arrival have deteriorated with many reported having walked all the way. UNICEF is scaling up its nutrition support while waiting for the results of the in-depth nutrition assessment. Protection activities are being put in place, especially for children who representing 65% of new arrivals. It has also to be noted that a significant number of refugees appear to have self-relocated to be with their ethnic group. The majority of recent arrivals in Uganda are Dinka. The protection dimension of this ethnic drive should be closely monitored. 5. Local response Local capacities to deliver basic services in South Sudan, already strained before this crisis, continue to be drained further by the conflict. Many civil servants, including teachers, nurses and other key staff, were disrupted by the violence. The flow of financial resources to the state and local levels to implement activities has not been spared either. Reliance on aid organisations continue to increase. Page 10 of 16

11 Ethiopia The Ethiopian Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) is coming to terms with the fact that the current emergency is beyond their capacity. Additional support from UNHCR is likely to be sought. A vaccination campaign against measles and polio for children under the age of 15 years started mid-february. Based on lessons learnt, it would be good to include meningitis but also adults in a second phase. The Ministry of Health, with the support of UNICEF, has started to provide health care for the population in Pagak. Kenya The Department of Refugee Affairs (DRA) has deployed additional registration officers to speed up formal registration. DRA and UNHCR continue to negotiate with the county government, local authorities and the Turkana host community elders for additional land. A final agreement on a new camp in Nakururum is still pending. In Uganda, the Office of the Prime Minister (OPM) is leading the response with the support of UNHCR and partner aid organisations. OPM has been particularly active in identifying land, negotiating with host communities and allocating plots for relocation. The Ministry of Health (MoH) took the lead in disease surveillance and control with the recent successful containment of a measles outbreak and the upcoming mass vaccination campaign against meningitis. While WHO ensures the sound technical response to warnings, UNICEF is playing a key role in ensuring MoH has the proper capacity to rapidly respond to the crisis at district level (vaccines procurement and support). 6. International response According to OCHA, humanitarian assistance has so far reached people. Relief organisations are focused on pre-positioning vital aid supplies ahead of the rainy season, which starts between April and June (depending on the part of the country) and lasts until October, during which about 60% of the roads across the country will be flooded and impassable. Protection response people were reached with protection monitoring or other linked services since 15 December. Protection actors are working in various PoCs and other large gatherings of IDPs. A very important aspect of work of protection actors carry is the provision of analysis of overall protection related risks that various groups face, and sensitisation and advocacy work towards authorities, donors, or UNMISS so that these risks are averted on minimised. The Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC), Non-Violent Peace Force, IOM and UNHCR are the main agencies involved. The main gaps and challenges that protection actors face are related to insufficient funding which prevents them from rolling out a larger scale response outside PoCs and other large gathering of IDPs. Organisations also report a need for capacity building of child-protection systems at state level. Health response Some people wounded in the conflict have been treated by the Health Cluster so far. In the UN House in Juba, children aged between 6 months and 15 years received measles vaccinations with coverage of 93.6%. In total, were vaccinated for measles and for polio in Juba, Malakal, Mingkaman and Twic in the past week. Mobile clinics are being set up in three areas in Jonglei where primary health services are limited. Gaps: Repair of the cold chain and the provision of immunization services are needed to prevent disease outbreaks; surgical services for patients with trauma and obstetric complications are needed particularly in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. Insecurity in the outskirts of the state capitals of Bor, Bentiu and Malakal remains a challenge affecting humanitarian access to IDPs. Page 11 of 16

12 Source: WHO Nutrition response Nutrition agencies have reached about people which is a relatively low coverage given the existing needs. OCHA believes that by the end of June, people will need nutritional intervention. Although nutrition agencies progressively scale up the response, further efforts are urgently needed with regards to mobilising resources (human resources, stocks and financial means) to adequately serve the needs of those affected by the conflict. Food Security and Livelihood response Some people have benefited from food assistance since the start of the crisis. Distribution of basic food and nutrition supplies continues, but more is needed, especially as new needs are assessed. Assistance should be targeted towards displaced people congregating in rural areas who have not been absorbed by host communities. Agricultural inputs are needed before the main planting season begins in March. FAO and WFP are instrumental in leading their partners in a coordinated response across the country. Logistics response The logistics cluster is trying to coordinate logistic requests throughout the country from Juba. Many organisations appear to be dependent on the services provided, especially because of the massive increase in transportation costs. There is a huge strain on resources, especially storage capacity in key hubs. The cluster plays a crucial role in supporting partners in coordinating their security clearance from authorities for charter flights to airlift supplies. The logistics cluster is actively looking for additional funding to ensure the continuation of airlift capacities till the end of June. For the sake of a most effective pre-positioning, one of the main challenges is to establish the storage and warehouse facilities across the country, especially in Awerial, Bentiu, Bor and Malakal locations where the previous facilities ones have been destroyed and/or looted. Given the abovementioned transportation concerns, the logistics partners are trying to open new supply corridors to South Sudan to ease both IDP and refugee responses. Negotiations and arrangements in Sudan and Ethiopia are now ongoing for new supply routes to be open as soon as possible. Camp Coordination and Camp Management and Shelter/NFI response A shelter cluster assessment is being conducted in PoC sites across the country. This assessment has already been completed in Juba in the Pocs at the UN House and in Tomping. It is currently underway in the PoC in Bor. Findings in Juba suggest that a vast majority of IDP Page 12 of 16

13 households (79%) plan to relocate outside of Juba town mostly to neighbouring countries, if the situation allows. The agencies are now incorporating the findings into their shelter preparedness strategies. The humanitarian response with regard to non-food items (NFI) is ongoing in most areas where access has been possible through various organisations. In order to ensure good cluster coordination management practice in emergencies, a "Strategic Advisory Group" has been established Juba. Regional impact in neighbouring countries Ethiopia Registration (level 1) was stopped on 13 February. The reason is unclear and registration should resume in the coming days. Aid organisations continue to provide assistance in terms of food/nutrition, shelter, NFIs, WASH and health. Worryingly, WFP has not been allowed by ARRA to deliver food any more at entry points. WFP's pipeline will not be able to cope with increasing numbers of refugees unless additional support is received. UNHCR is in the process to release another regional appeal which will include a revised planning figure of refugees. Additional funds to support partners on the response are urgently needed. There is a need to engage now and increase the pace of the response before the rainy season starts as the situation can become problematic. Sudan As of 11 February, food was distributed by WFP to individuals in White Nile State, while UNHCR overall delivered NFIs to people through the Sudanese Red Crescent Society (SRCS). Since then access to the affected population has reportedly deteriorated, as well as the protection of vulnerable populations stranded in Kilo 10 and Alagaya 'transit areas' in White Nile, not receiving adequate assistance and follow-up. For verification and monitoring purposes, a UNHCR team of national staff was dispatched to White Nile State on 11 February to oversee distribution with SRCS. The team was denied access to the sites and requested by authorities to return to Khartoum. A two-member UNHCR team present in Kilo 10 for distribution monitoring purposes was also asked to return to Khartoum the same day. UNHCR is trying to clarify the reasoning behind the refusal. Kenya Pipeline management for non-food items (NFI) has been improved and the pipeline seems now more solid. UNICEF has donated family NFI kits. WFP has improved the waiting area at the food distribution with shade and two latrines. WFP has sufficient food for 100% rations till end of March. In the second quarter of 2014, food assistance will become more erratic with only 60-80% food rations unless additional resources a received urgently. A joint polio/measles mop-up vaccination campaign was completed on 18 February. The vaccination campaign is currently ongoing among the host communities. Uganda With regard to capacity, the humanitarian response is well supported in Kyandongo and Adjumani, which has received the bulk of the new arrivals. However, UN agencies report an insufficient presence of partner organisations in the Arua district. The funding situation is slightly improving with the recent USD 7 million CERF allocation and should continue so with a DFID contribution for the regional response to the South Sudan crisis. Nevertheless, this crisis comes on top of continuous influx from DRC since 2012, hence needs are substantial and funding remains the main issue. Page 13 of 16

14 7. On-site coordination mechanism With the activation of the Level 3 humanitarian system-wide emergency response for South Sudan, various coordination forums, the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT), the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) and the Inter-Cluster Working Group (ICWG) need to engage further. The role of clusters and the ICWG with key deliverables and new reporting requirements for the clusters is increasingly important. ICWG is now analysing its capacity to coordinate the L3 emergency response and to highlight any gaps. UN OCHA is conducting a capacity mapping to identify current existing and the additional cluster coordination capacity required in Juba and at state level. In Ethiopia, the Administration for Refugee and Returnee Affairs (ARRA) and UNHCR are coordinating with partners at Gambella and Addis Ababa levels. However, some gaps have been noted in reporting. In Sudan, the response is being coordinated by the UNHCR-led Refugee Multi-Sector (RMS) which needs reinforcement and better leverage for more efficiency. UNHCR, jointly with the HCT, is now working on Minimum Operating Standards to present to the government, which would allow a fully integrated and coordinated response to address protection and humanitarian assistance needs of people fleeing the conflict in South Sudan. In Kenya, DRA and UNHCR continues to coordinate with partners involved, including WFP, UNICEF and existing implementing/ operating partners. Situation updates are provided on a weekly basis and have been improved with information on the rate of new arrivals and a demographic and ethnic breakdown. Reporting on key humanitarian indicators for water, sanitation, health and nutrition could be further improved. The Humanitarian Country Team in Kenya has requested a USD 4.5 million contribution from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) for the refugee response in Kenya. A new multi-agency regional appeal issued by UNHCR is expected towards the end of February or early March. In Uganda, the Office of the Prime Minister and UNHCR are coordinating with partner organisations involved, including WFP, UNICEF and existing implementing/operating partners. Sector coordination is in place especially at district level where it is needed the most. 8. Other information Donors continue advocating OCHA and the clusters in stepping up the prioritization exercise in operationalizing the USD 1.27 billion Crisis Response Plan, with key criteria to be identified by the UN agencies as "ONE UN", so that not each agency launches its individual appeal. Given the poor progress in receiving pledges for the revised appeal, it appears to be crucial that the humanitarian coordination, especially the HCT, OCHA and ICWG, has a clear strategy on which activities should be funded as the absolute priority. Page 14 of 16

15 Donors have contributed USD 235 million to the Crisis Response Plan, which is 18.5% of total requirements. EU Member States and European Commission humanitarian contributions to South Sudan in 2014 (as indicated in EDRIS on 24/02/2014): Donor Amount (in ) Denmark ,67 European Commission/ECHO Germany Italy Spain Sweden ,39 United Kingdom ,02 Total ,08 Page 15 of 16

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