Conditions for refugees at Pariang are so poor that at least one family of seven left the camp headed back to the war-torn Nuba Mountains.Pariang, one of three main sites hosting Nuba refugees, is the seat of the northernmost county of Unity State. The camp population, which was listed at under 2000 people throughout early 2012, is significantly smaller than the main settlement of Nuba refugees to the north-east in Yida.
In interviews in Pariang refugees said that heavy rains have ruined their crops in the ground, soaked through shelters, and made the road to Bentiu city nearly impassable.
The only medical clinic serving the camp lacks medicines and doctors and is only open half of the week. The clinic is run by the international organization CARE.
The town’s secondary school, which was a main attraction for refugees, likewise offers limited services. Teachers of refugee students have been striking for four days due to a pay dispute. Textbooks are not holding up well in the damp. The rains continue.