Attachments
1. Background
The Republic of South Sudan, three years into its independence, has suffered a tremendous political and social upheaval as divisions within the ruling party, the Sudan Peoples’ Liberation Movement, and fragmentation of its army, has turned into major violence engulfing significant parts of the country. What started as a political dispute has been interpreted through a lens of old, deeply bitter narrative of ethnic rivalry between Dinka and Nuer, and is exacerbated by a host of complicating unresolved political, economic and social issues. The polarisation and arming of communities along ethnic lines in this conflict, and its ready manipulation by powerful elites, is a key factor that risks a rapidly deepening and widening war with serious regional humanitarian and political consequences.
1.1. Structure of Report
Recognising this need and the gap in publically available and joint humanitarian analysis, the Protection Cluster held a workshop with a number of field based protection actors to consolidate existing information and analysis from the field and Juba. This information presents a baseline of sorts from which to develop a deepening understanding of the threats, risks and vulnerabilities that civilians are facing directly and indirectly from the conflict. Further and more detailed work is planned to build upon this process in the coming months to allow the humanitarian community to enhance its response and inform conflict-sensitive programming, as well as inform discussions about longer-term humanitarian action needed in 2015. This report sets out some of the macro trends in South Sudan as well as in the greater regions, with a particular emphasis on the current epicentre of the conflict. The information contained herein is also meant to complement the work of research institutions and other bodies currently producing analysis on the context. Where appropriate clear links and references are provided to allow readers to enhance their own understanding of particular dynamics.
The report is structured around the following broad themes:
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Macro level trends and protection implications;
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Current situation in the greater regions;
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Positive and Negative trends in the next 6 months;
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Current overview to dynamics in the three greater regions; and
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Lesson learned and best practice for information management and analysis.