The ongoing civil war in Sudan has precipitated a humanitarian crisis in South Sudan, displacing approximately 12 million individuals. Many refugees, including women and children, face severe challenges such as violence, sexual abuse, and loss of family members. Organizations like UNICEF and Concern Worldwide are working to provide medical support, yet a culture of violence complicates recovery efforts.
Mary Atyeng, a refugee in South Sudan, describes her harrowing escape from violence as she holds her three-month-old baby by the river that marks the border with Sudan. Since April 2023, approximately 12 million individuals have been displaced due to the civil war, constituting roughly 30% of Sudan’s population. This crisis, which is recognized as the largest displacement issue globally, is at risk of being overlooked amid ongoing global conflicts.
Mary recounts fleeing her home on December 16, driven away by violent clashes that left her village in chaos. She witnessed the horrifying entrance of soldiers into her home, forcing her to make the painful decision to send her husband away for his safety. Ultimately, she crossed into South Sudan, where she feels somewhat at peace, away from the horrors she experienced in her homeland.
UNICEF has issued alarming warnings regarding the sexual abuse of children as young as one amidst the conflict. Refugees, however, describe a broader spectrum of violence. Amiema Mohamad, who fled from Khartoum to South Sudan with three small children, shared her tragic story of familial losses due to the war, leaving her with a bleak future and scant resources.
She expressed her determination not to return to Sudan, despite the dire conditions she faces in South Sudan, including the necessity of collecting wood for sale. Moussa Adem, a refugee from Darfur, shared his trauma about the loss of his younger brother to violence. His family business was also destroyed, forcing him to flee in July 2023.
Returning to the emotional connection with their homeland, he described fear permeating their journey and the damage inflicted upon their village. Health care support in South Sudan includes mobile clinics run by Concern Worldwide, which offer vital services to the displaced population. Mary Atyeng, arriving heavily pregnant, was assisted during childbirth by midwife Rebecca Dut Chan, showcasing the impactful work of humanitarian organizations.
Public health expert Emillia Mutya elaborated on the long-standing instability that characterizes South Sudan, highlighting a culture of violence that complicates conflict resolution. Social worker Robert Akol Garang reported handling numerous cases of gender-based violence daily, indicating the pervasive trauma experienced by women. Despite these challenges, he remains hopeful for change and recovery.
The crisis in South Sudan represents a dire humanitarian emergency where millions face unimaginable hardships amidst rampant violence and displacement. Refugees like Mary Atyeng, Amiema Mohamad, and Moussa Adem highlight the profound impact of war on individuals, particularly children and women, who suffer the horrors of sexual violence and loss. Humanitarian organizations are striving to offer support, yet the persistent instability demands urgent international attention to prevent this ‘forgotten war’ from slipping further into obscurity.
Original Source: www.irishexaminer.com
