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South Sudan Consolidated Appeal 2013

Countries
South Sudan
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OCHA
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Needs Remain High

Humanitarian needs remained consistently high throughout 2012 due to unresolved political issues between South Sudan and Sudan, and the legacy of decades of conflict. Needs are expected to remain high for key vulnerable groups. However, positive political developments towards the end of 2012 may improve food security and economic conditions for people in South Sudan into 2013, with the signing of breakthrough agreements on oil, trade and security arrangements with Sudan.

While aid agencies anticipated many of the challenges faced in 2012, some far exceeded expectations and exacerbated the humanitarian situation. Most notable was the arrival of more than 175,000 refugees fleeing conflict in Sudan’s South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, with a quadrupling of the initially anticipated number of 40,000 people. The number of people in need of food assistance doubled from 1.2 to 2.4 million due to a deterioration in food security. 2012 also saw the large-scale displacement of more than 170,000 people due to internal violence, and 132,000 South Sudanese who returned from Sudan in need of humanitarian aid. Furthermore, the challenges faced by the Government of South Sudan in providing basic services, combined with austerity as a result of oil shutdown early in 2012, meant that humanitarian partners increasingly became the provider of first-resort.

Access Challenges Persist

South Sudan is one of the most challenging environments in which relief organizations work. Rains and seasonal flooding make more than 60 per cent of the country inaccessible for over half of the year. Incidents of harassment and commandeering of assets by state and non-state actors have further impeded access.

Aid Agencies Step Up

Against the backdrop of these challenges, humanitarian operations continued and scaled up in 2012. Thirty separate relief operations were underway across 51 of the nation’s 79 counties by November. As of October, food security and livelihoods partners had supported more than 2.1 million people; more than 700,000 malnourished children had been given lifesaving nutritional treatment; health partners had carried out 2 million consultations; nearly 55,000 conflict- and natural disaster-affected, and returnees households had received essential household items; and about 664,000 people had improved access to potable water. In many cases humanitarian partners exceeded original planning targets as they stepped up to meet increased needs. Donors contributed US$724 million1 as of 31 October to CAP 2012, equivalent to 62 per cent of requirements.

Refugee and Food Insecurity Needs High

Humanitarian needs will remain high in South Sudan throughout 2013, though the scope of vulnerability and assistance will shift. Without a resolution to the conflict in Sudan’s South Kordofan and Blue Nile states, more people will likely seek refuge in South Sudan. Food insecurity is expected to affect up to 4.6 million people in 2013, with about 2.3 million in need of direct food assistance. Though these numbers remain close to 2012 levels, they anticipate a slight stabilization in food insecurity in 2013, which Sudan and Sudan. Humanitarian partners expect lower numbers of South Sudanese to return home from Sudan than in previous years - up to 125,000 people. A reduction in people displaced by internal violence as compared to 2011-2012 is also expected, though concerns remain in flashpoint states.

Focus on Preparedness

The challenging operating environment of South Sudan continues to require innovative, time-bound strategies such as prepositioning stocks and core pipeline support, improving emergency response and protection, increasing livelihoods support and resilience, and improving coordination. The provision of lifesaving humanitarian aid will continue, alongside preparedness measures, mitigation against future shocks, national capacity strengthening, and establishing links to development, with the ultimate aim of empowering people and their communities to move beyond day-to-day survival.

A Billion Dollars to Meet Needs

This year’s Consolidated Appeal comprises 273 projects by 114 partners, coordinated by 10 clusters, who require $1.16 billion to address urgent humanitarian needs in South Sudan. While requirements for 2013 are slightly lower than in the 2012 midyear review, the continuing refugee crisis and high food insecurity drive needs, calling for large-scale action.

UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs: To learn more about OCHA's activities, please visit https://www.unocha.org/.