Highlights

• On 10 March, in Ethiopia, the Government of Sudan and South Sudan agreed on an implementation matrix outlining timelines for the execution of the nine agreements signed in September 2012.

• A formal directive was issued by the Government of South Sudan to facilitate humanitarian assistance, particularly with regard to expediting clearance of relief cargo and removal of taxation on all relief supplies.

• The situation remains volatile in Jonglei State, with more than 23,000 people displaced

Only 27% of people in Sudan use an improved sanitation facility, while 40% of people in Sudan have no access to an improved water source.

Source: 2010 Sudan Household Health Survey

WHAT?

• 1.4 million IDPs living in Darfur camps are dependent on life-saving water, sanitation and hygiene services. The need for these services may increase because of new IDPs, due to conflicts in Darfur.

• Need for new or improved water, sanitation and hygiene services for 200,000 returnees (IDPs and refugees) in their areas of origin in Darfur.

Significant achievements for children in a challenging year

By Chris Niles

NEW YORK, United States of America, 31 December 2012 – It’s been another challenging year for UNICEF and its partners – responding to a wide range of humanitarian needs under less-than-ideal financial circumstances.

But significant gains have been realized, particularly in the fight against disease and child mortality.

By Genine Babakian

KABUL, Afghanistan, 27 December 2012 - During this year’s World Day of Prayer and Action for Children, thousands of worshippers in hundreds of mosques across Afghanistan listened to and participated in discussions that focused on preventing child marriage and corporal punishment, and on the importance of birth registration – all through the lens of Islam.

‘Beyond School Books’ – a podcast series on education in emergencies

By Rudina Vojvoda

NEW YORK, United States of America, 26 November 2012 – Engaging young people in education policies and programmes is crucial to building peace and promoting social transformation, according to a global policy forum hosted by the International Institute for Educational Planning (IIEP) Policy Forum in Paris, France, last month.

AUDIO: Listen now

New York, United States of America, 17 October 2012 - UNICEF has revised its Humanitarian Action for Children appeal upwards by 14 per cent to US$1.46 billion for 2012.

With only 38 per cent of this figure funded as of the end of August, the organization faces a US$900 million gap.

New and continuing emergencies at the national and regional levels

The change in the amount of the appeal reflects both new emergencies and changes in requirements in existing humanitarian situations.

Highlights

-Armed fighters attacked South Sudanese troops in Pibor county (Jonglei state)

-South Sudanese powerful deputy commander-in chief Paulino Matip died on 22 August in Nairobi.

-Disease and malnutrition plague is growing in South Sudan refugee camps, which currently host an estimated 170,000 Sudanese nationals fleeing conflict in South Kordofan and Blue Nile states.

-The Ebola national task force has been re-activated to strengthen preparedness against an outbreak of the disease

Highlights

-South Sudan celebrated one year Independence anniversary on 9 July.

-Negotiations between Sudan and South Sudan resumed in Addis Ababa on 5 July. Differences remain over border demarcation, the status of Abyei and the division of oil revenues and national debt.

-A delegation of senior international leaders, the Elders, led by Archbishop Desmond Tutu, visited South Sudan with the aim of supporting peace efforts.

By Harriet Martin

Khartoum/Juba June 4, 2012: Sixteen-year old Stella Khamis Philip and her four younger siblings live with their aunt and uncle on the outskirts of Juba, the capital of South Sudan. Her uncle, Joseph Tombura, runs a stall in the market nearby and every day she attends school.