![A UN peacekeeper escorts women and children in the violence-rocked Tambura County, Western Equatoria State recently [Photo via Eye Radio]](https://i0.wp.com/www.sudanspost.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/Peacekeeper-847x565-1.jpg?ssl=1)
A statement released by OCHA on Monday said an estimated 8.9 million people, an increase of 600,000 from 2021 are in need of humanitarian assistance, something the United Nations agency attributed to escalating violence.
“In 2022, the humanitarian community in South Sudan estimates that more than two-thirds of South Sudan’s population, 8.9 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance, an increase of 600,000 since 2021,” OHCA said in a statement extended to Sudans Post.
“Their situation is worsened by endemic violence, conflict, access constraints and operational interference, “it said.
“Public health challenges such as direct and indirect shocks resulting in dual phenomena of extraordinary flooding and localized drought which has severe impact on people’s livelihood hampers access to education and water, sanitation and hygiene and health services,” it added.
It further said that protection of civilians remain a big concern especially with people impacted by violence and those with limited access to justice and the rule of law.
“Continued conflict and instability in the country combined with flooding have resulted in large-scale internal and cross-border displacement,” it said.
It applauded the government for supporting humanitarian agencies to facilitated returns of over 90,000 people last year.
“At the same time, limited improvements in some areas have prompted some people to spontaneously return. In addition, the government with the support of some humanitarian agencies has facilitated returns to certain areas,” it said.
“Due to compounding shocks, both in areas of displacement and return, population have been forced to keep displacing time and again. At-least 90,000 returnees from abroad remained displaced within the country, unable to reach their homes,” it added.
