The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has warned of the devastating impact of armed conflict and violence on people in South Sudan.

It is also urging for more life-saving humanitarian aid as the human toll of conflict and violence has strained the healthcare system in the country.

Development Diaries reports that in recent months, hospitals in South Sudan have been facing an influx of weapon-wounded patients due to renewed clashes across the country.

‘The impact of the armed conflict and violence on people in South Sudan is devastating’, the head of the ICRC delegation in Juba, Pierre Dorbes, said in a statement.

‘We see terrible injuries, and often airlifting patients from remote areas is the only way to save their lives’.

Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs
(OCHA) shows that an estimated 9.4 million people in South Sudan, including 2.2 million women, 4.9 million children and 337,000 refugees, need humanitarian assistance and protection services in 2023.

This reflects 76 percent of the country’s population and a five-percent increase from 2022.

The recurrence of violence and conflict has been one of the dominant drivers of widespread food shortage in South Sudan, making the population more vulnerable to the ongoing crisis.

The organisation called on armed actors to respect the basic rules of international humanitarian law and principles of humanity, and protect civilians who have endured horrific suffering.

‘This is the reason why ICRC engages with armed actors and authorities to improve understanding and respect for the law’, Dorbes said.

Photo source: ICRC