For many people in South Sudan, their entire lives have been marked by war and displacement. Today, 11 years since the end of the long war of independence from Sudan, the young country is embroiled in a civil conflict that has displaced at least 2.4 million people since December 2013.

This number includes more than 1.6 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) who have been forced to flee their homes with next to nothing in search of safety and aid. While they represent only a small fraction of the over 65 million people displaced forcibly across the globe, they, along with 4.5 million others in South Sudan, are in dire need of lifesaving assistance.

Globally, humanitarians are facing unprecedented obstacles in delivering assistance, and South Sudan is no exception. Insecurity, poor infrastructure, a heavy rainy season and cumbersome bureaucratic constraints present daily challenges to the effective delivery of humanitarian aid. Moreover, since 2013, at least 57 humanitarians have lost their lives in the line of service in South Sudan.

In the past two months, the country has witnessed renewed violence and instability, with civilians caught in the crossfire and, worse, sometimes directly targeted. With no other options, more than 160,000 people continue to seek protection at UNMISS protection of civilian sites across the country.

It is in this context that IDPs—unable to return home due to fear, loss of property or hunger—need the support of the humanitarian community more than ever.

IOM remains committed to providing lifesaving aid for those affected and displaced by this conflict. IOM medical teams treat thousands of patients a week, ensure safe drinking water for displaced and host communities through water systems, and provide shelter materials so that IDPs can take refuge from harsh conditions.

Last month, a group of displaced women—strong leaders in their communities in Wau—asked us to “tell the world we are tired.” They need peace so that they can go home, cultivate crops and their children can go to school.

William Barriga
Chief of Mission, IOM South Sudan