Shoreline-based World Concern aids families in South Sudan crisis

World Concern is providing emergency assistance to families displaced by violence in South Sudan. 

Since December 2013, when fighting broke out after rebels attempted to overthrow the government, as many as one million people have fled violence in their home towns and sought safety in camps, host communities, or other countries. Several thousand from conflict-affected areas have arrived in an area of Warrap State where World Concern implements long-term development programs. 

According to UNOCHA, no other agencies are responding in this area to assist these families. World Concern is responding with emergency aid such as food rations, supplies, access to water, and more.

“It’s so sad. People are just sitting here, trying to find some shade … and a lot of them really traumatized … They won’t go outside, because they are too scared to get shot anyways. What can they hope for?” said Samuel, a young man who is among the displaced in South Sudan.

World Concern is seeking support from donors for this response. It costs about $40 to provide a disaster survival kit to a family in crisis. Donations can be made online or by calling 800-755-5022. 

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World Concern is a Christian global relief and development organization. The solutions we offer, the work we do, creates lasting, sustainable, lasting change that provides lasting hope. Our areas of expertise include disaster response, clean water, education, food security, child protection, microfinance and health.

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South Sudan Facts

• In December 2013, fighting broke out between government forces and rebels loyal to former vice president Riek Machar and spread across the country, threatening to push it into civil war. A ceasefire was signed on January 23, 2014.
• 646,400 people are displaced inside South Sudan. Another 123,400 people have fled to neighboring countries. (Source: UNOCA) 
• South Sudan has been struggling since gaining independence from Sudan in July 2011. Prior to 2005, Sudan's two-decade civil war killed 2 million people and forced another 4 million from their homes, according to U.N. estimates. Many southerners continue to return to South Sudan from the north, and many remain displaced.
• According to the World Food Program, hunger levels in all states but one were above emergency levels in 2012. 
• According to Refugees International, South Sudan ranks near the bottom in the world in all social indicators including education, literacy, and child malnutrition.