2014 Humanitarian Needs Overview South Sudan (September 2013)

PRIORITY NEEDS

1 Crisis-driven displacement

Inter-communal violence and hostilities between state and non-state armed actors will likely continue to drive humanitarian needs. The resulting displacement and loss of liv es and livelihoods will stretch coping mechanisms and push families further into vulnerability. Political tensions in the run up to 2015 national elections may increase instability in some areas.

2 Acute food insecurity

Some 830,000 people are expected to be severely food insecure in 2014, although overall food security will likely stabilize. Partners will prioritize livelihood programmes to ad dress the needs of those acutely food insecure, lessening reliance on food aid, and increasing resilience.

3 Refugees and returnees

Low refugee and returnee arrivals are expected in 2014. Relief will focus on maintaining and improving the quality of assistance, and the longer term needs of 270,000 refugees expected to be hosted in the country by the end of 2014. The sustainable reintegration of 50,000 new returnee arrivals will require joint humanitarian and development approaches.

4 Humanitarian access restrictions

Aid workers will continue to experience significant access constraints. With more than 60 per cent of roads across the country impassable in the rainy season, air assets are needed for relief activities. Humanitarian work may also be hindered by violence against aid workers and assets, active hostilities and bur eaucratic impediments.

5 Seasonal flooding

Seasonal flooding in 20 14 will result in medium-scale, localized and temporary displacement. Increasing communities’ resilience against flooding is crucial in reducing its impact, as is strengthening the ability of Government institutions to respond.