Background
The Protection of Civilians (PoC) site was established in Juba by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) when war erupted on 15 December 2013.
The war started at the Giada Military Barracks south of the capital among the presidential guards when members of the Dinka tribe to which President Salva Kiir Mayardit belongs tried to disarm their Nuer colleagues. The vice president then, Dr. Riek Machar, who ended up fleeing Juba as a result of the fighting in Juba and leading what morphed into a rebellion, is of Nuer ethnicity.
The subsequent war quickly spread to different parts of the country resulting in the death of over 20,000 unarmed civilians who were rounded and killed by armed paramilitary groups sponsored by Kiir’s government.
UNMISS opened its gates to allow civilians to shelter in their premises. The political turmoil quickly mutated into violence and a massacre in Juba and was followed by civil war. A peace deal was brokered by the regional block the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) in August 2015. The agreement later collapsed in July 2016 after another brutal war broke out in the presidential palace.
Over 4 million South Sudanese were displaced from their homes with nearly 1 million seeking refuge in the POCs and another 2.5 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
IGAD brokered another peace deal in Sept 2018, the Revitalized Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan (R-ARCISS) which technically brought the war to an end.
In February 2020, the Revitalized Transitional Government of National Unity (R-TGoNU) was formed to implement interim general provisions stipulated in the 2018 peace agreement.
In September 2020, just about six months after the formation of the transitional government, the UN transitioned the status of the POC sites to an Internally Displaced People’s (IDP) camp and handed over the responsibility of management to the newly formed transitional government that included erstwhile belligerents President Kiir and Dr. Machar at its helm.
Some PoCs such as Juba, Bentiu, Wau, and Bor were officially handed over to the government and officially became IDP camps with only the facility in Malakal, Upper Nile State, remaining a POC site under the UN.
The country has made significant progress toward the implementation of the peace agreement. However, enormous challenges have to be tackled if the country is to reap the benefits of peace and stability. Key milestones such as dignified repatriation and return of displaced populations, recovery, reconstruction, and developmental commitment are not met.
Below are the main issues that affected the IDPs
The abandoned Juba IDP camps serve as a harrowing testament to the dire conditions faced by displaced individuals in South Sudan. This narrative sheds light on the horrific situation that unfolded within the camps highlighting the urgent need for humanitarian intervention and support from the government.
The abandoned Juba IDP camps, once a bustling refuge for those internally displaced by conflict, now stand as a haunting reminder of neglect and desperation.
The lack of proper healthcare facilities and personnel in the IDP camps has resulted in poor health conditions for the residents. Without access to basic healthcare services, many IDPs and returnees are suffering from various diseases and medical conditions that are not being properly treated.
The withdrawal of international and local health organizations from the former POC sites, based on the perception that peace has been achieved in the country, has only exacerbated the health crisis in the camps. These organizations played a vital role in ensuring the well-being of the displaced population, providing them with essential medical assistance and other support. With their departure, there is a significant gap in healthcare provision, leaving vulnerable IDPs and returnees without access to critical medical care.
The situation is further complicated by the fact that the expected peace has not been fully realized in the country. Violence and insecurity continue to disrupt the lives of the population, making it even more difficult for individuals to seek medical attention when needed.
Without the necessary healthcare infrastructure and support, individuals in the IDP camps face an increased risk of illness and disease. Inadequate sanitation facilities and overcrowded living conditions further contribute to the poor health situation. Immediate action is required to address the healthcare needs of the IDPs and returnees in Juba.
Efforts should be made to attract and retain international and local health organizations to provide crucial medical services to the population. Additionally, the government and relevant stakeholders should work together to improve the healthcare infrastructure in the IDP camps, ensuring access to basic healthcare services and promoting a healthier living environment.
Failure to address the poor health conditions in the IDP camps not only jeopardizes the well-being of the displaced population but also hinders their ability to rebuild their lives and contribute to the development of the country. Urgent steps must be taken to rectify this situation and provide the necessary healthcare support to those in need.
The poor WASH conditions
The lack of proper Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) facilities and services is not only degrading and inhumane but also poses serious health risks for the IDPs.
Firstly, the withdrawal of WASH partners from the former POC site has left the IDPs in a dire situation. Without their support, there are no functioning latrines available, especially for women and children who are more vulnerable. This forces people to resort to defecating in open areas, compromising their dignity and exposing them to diseases spread through fecal matter.
Furthermore, the absence of sewage tanks exacerbates the problem. With no proper disposal system, waste accumulates, leading to unhygienic conditions that further increase the risk of diseases. The lack of a dumping plan also means that waste is not properly disposed of, resulting in it being scattered around the camps, creating an unsanitary and hazardous environment.
In light of these dire circumstances, I urgently request the government and WASH partners to intervene immediately. The IDPs are in desperate need of proper latrines that ensure privacy and hygiene. The presence of sewage tanks and a well-designed waste disposal plan is crucial to address the current WASH crisis. Additionally, the provision of sanitation facilities, such as handwashing stations and clean water supply, is essential to prevent the spread of diseases and improve the overall well-being of the IDPs.
Food insecurity
I am sorry to hear about the situation in the Juba IDP camps and the lack of food rations. It is important to note that any information I provide is based on general guidelines and may not always apply to specific situations or regions. In such challenging circumstances, it becomes crucial to prioritize the available resources and find alternative ways to ensure adequate nutrition. Local organizations, NGOs, or government authorities may play a role in assisting those in need. The IDPs should seek support from these organizations or local authorities who may be able to provide food aid or suggest ways to obtain nutrition in their specific situation.
Additionally, community initiatives like communal farming or gardening can help supplement food sources. Growing and consuming locally available fruits and vegetables can provide essential nutrients. The international community needs to be aware of the situation and work towards finding solutions to alleviate the food crisis in the IDP camps.
Insecurity in and around the camp
The lack of organized police forces and law enforcement in the Juba IDP camps has created a severe level of insecurity for its residents. To protect themselves from the gangs that terrorize the camp, people are forced to arm themselves with sticks and spears in the evening hours. This desperate measure is an attempt to at least deter potential attackers and safeguard their lives.
Tragically, these makeshift defense measures are not enough to prevent incidents of violence within the camps. Over six months, approximately 80 percent of the reported incidents occurred within the camps themselves. The consequences of these violent encounters are dire, often resulting in multiple injuries and deaths among the residents. It is worth noting that the daily occurrences of attacks and property theft within and around the IDP camp indicate a perpetual state of fear and vulnerability for the people living there. The absence of a single day without an assault or looting further illustrates the prevailing dangers faced by the residents.
Lack of proper resettlement plan for the IDPs
The government and relevant partners must prioritize compensation for refugees and IDPs who have suffered immense loss and displacement due to the conflict. This compensation should not only cover their physical and material losses but also address their emotional and psychological trauma.
Furthermore, efforts should be made to facilitate the resettlement of refugees and IDPs into safe and sustainable housing. This can include providing land and resources for them to rebuild their lives, as well as offering support in terms of livelihood opportunities, education, and healthcare. Comprehensive plans should be developed and implemented to ensure successful and sustainable resettlement of these individuals.
Additionally, it is essential to involve the IDPs themselves in the decision-making and implementation processes. Their voices and perspectives must be prioritized and taken into account to ensure that their needs and aspirations are met. This can be achieved through creating platforms for dialogue and consultation, as well as actively engaging with community leaders and representatives from the IDP camps.
The support of implementing partners, such as WASH organizations, can play a vital role in this process. By providing access to clean water, sanitation facilities, and hygiene education, they contribute to improving the living conditions of the IDPs and promoting their overall well-being.
Moreover, youth-led organizations should be empowered to educate young people living in the IDP camps about the importance of peaceful co-existence. Through workshops, training, and awareness campaigns, they can help foster a culture of tolerance, empathy, and respect among the youth, ultimately contributing to long-term peacebuilding efforts.
Overall, immediate and tangible action needs to be taken to address the issue of resettlement and compensation for refugees and IDPs. The government, along with the support of relevant partners, must prioritize their needs and ensure that their rights and dignity are upheld throughout the process. Only by doing so can lasting peace and stability be achieved in the nation.
The author is an Inclusive, IDP, and Refugee Advocate and the Director of Nile Youth Development Action (NYDA). He can be reached thaknguany12@gmai.com or jalbadeng@outlook.com
The views expressed in ‘opinion’ articles published by Radio Tamazuj are solely those of the writer. The veracity of any claims made is the responsibility of the author, not Radio Tamazuj.