In a country where conflict, natural disasters, and limited access to even the most basic services threaten millions of people, protecting civilians remains at the heart of the United Nations’ peacekeeping efforts across South Sudan.
Bordering Ethiopia, remote Maiwut County is among the areas hardest hit by humanitarian and development challenges. During a patrol, a team of civilian and uniformed peacekeepers met with local authorities, traditional leaders, and community representatives to hear firsthand about the most urgent threats affecting the safety and well-being of residents.
Top of the list is food insecurity, as a lack of rainfall has devastated crops, leaving many families at risk of hunger and increasing vulnerability.
"With crops failing, many households may struggle to feed their families in the months ahead," warned County Commissioner John Lony Puk.
Stephen Tor, Deputy Relief and Rehabilitation Coordinator, echoed these concerns, warning that shrinking harvests could deepen the humanitarian crisis.
"When crops decline, families lose both food and income. This puts even more strain on communities already facing hardship," Tor explained.
Residents also face severe shortages in basic services, particularly healthcare, with a lack of medicines, essential supplies, and qualified staff, placing lifesaving care out of reach for many.
"People travel long distances for treatment, only to find empty shelves," added Tor.
"Pregnant mothers, young children, and the elderly face the greatest risks as a result of these challenges," asserted women’s leader, Mary Gatluak.
The fresh assessment of the security and humanitarian situation gathered by the UNMISS team will enable it to strengthen protection while also advocate for increased humanitarian support.
"These conversations are crucial as we work to support protection, stability, and peace," said UN Police Patrol Team Leader, Rexford Annor Larbi.
Despite the challenges, the people of Maiwut continue to demonstrate remarkable resilience. Local leaders remain hopeful that increased humanitarian assistance and sustained collective action will strengthen civilian protection and improve living conditions across the county.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).
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