South Sudanese IDP's and refugees destitute as rainy season sets in

The rainy season is upon South Sudan. Already,some people are living in squalid conditions as a result of the displacements after last week’s clashes. And many more are struggling to find proper shelter in U.N. compounds in the capital.

Clothes and the little belongings that they brought upon fleeing can be seen outside their makeshift shelters to air-dry

Conditions in Juba are far from ideal, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) says.

The fighting uprooted about 36,000 people who sought shelter at U.N. compounds, and 14,900 are still displaced.

“All things are put out because of the rain. Things are wet and even the situation is very bad because even you can see these children when they are staying in a place where there is rain, it cannot be good, but because of the situation, I wasn’t happy, and actually I am not happy, but because I have nowhere to go this is why I am here now,” said an unidentified displaced man.

Though unconfirmed, clashes have been reported in other parts of the country, and the U.N. has recommended aid agencies reduce staff in hot spot locations, whilst locals are calling for peace.

“We need peace. We need peace because Children are suffering. We were outside South Sudan, but what brought us back was our country, irrespective of the situation, one stays because it is their country where one has rights. Even if someone wrongs you, you will be able to respond, but if you are in another country, you will face difficulties. So we came here because it is our country, but we honestly need peace in South Sudan. Children are suffering; there is no education, no stability, so we need peace as women,” another woman said.

The UNHCR said that over 5,000 people fled to Uganda, almost all of them- women and children.

Reuters