News outlets examine the continuing violence and deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan. Relief organizations struggle to provide assistance to the thousands of displaced people with no access to clean water, food and shelter.

U.N. News Centre: South Sudan: U.N. ramps up aid efforts, urges conflict parties to ensure humanitarian access
“The situation in crisis-torn South Sudan remains tense today and, with clashes reported between pro- and anti-government troops in some areas and thousands of people fleeing the ongoing violence, United Nations officials in the country are urging all parties in the conflict to protect civilians and to allow humanitarian workers safe access to them…” (1/3).

The Guardian: South Sudan: fears grow for 75,000 people fleeing violence
“Relief groups have expressed alarm over the plight of 75,000 people who have fled to the town of Awerial amid clashes between government and rebel troops in South Sudan. … MSF and Oxfam say there is an urgent need for clean water, latrines and shelter for the mostly women and children who have gathered in Awerial, about 30 miles from Bor. Awerial has the largest concentration of displaced people in the conflict…” (Tran, 1/2).

BBC News: Lack of water, shelter and food for South Sudan refugees
“Tens of thousands of people who have fled fighting in South Sudan are trying to survive in makeshift camps with no access to clean water, food or shelter…” (1/2).

Associated Press: Humanitarian fears grow amid South Sudan violence
“The World Health Organization is warning of a looming risk of disease outbreaks in South Sudan, where violence has displaced more than 190,000 people since mid-December. WHO said in a statement received Wednesday that there was a shortage of health care workers, with many fleeing their homes for safety in areas hit by violence…” (1/1).

IRIN: Briefing: The humanitarian cost of South Sudan’s continuing violence
“As the conflict in South Sudan continues, aid agencies are struggling to provide assistance to the thousands of people caught up in the violence. As of 29 December, an estimated 180,000 people had been driven from their homes by the fighting, 75,000 of whom are seeking shelter in U.N. compounds…” (12/31).

WHO: Internally displaced people in South Sudan are at great risk of disease outbreaks
“The humanitarian situation in South Sudan has further deteriorated in the past two weeks. Since the outbreak of violence in South Sudan on 15 December 2013, the humanitarian needs have quickly been growing with a total of 195,416 persons have been displaced. … As a result of this population displacement, there is a looming risk of disease outbreaks especially for water borne diseases, warns WHO…” (12/31).

IRIN: South Sudan’s deteriorating humanitarian situation
“As fighting continues across South Sudan, the United Nations is reporting that some 1,000 people may have been killed, while aid agencies estimate that in a worst-case scenario, thousands more could be displaced or will require humanitarian assistance…” (12/27).

Voice of America: South Sudan Women, Children Hard Hit as Violence Spreads: Aid Agencies
“United Nations officials and aid agencies warned Tuesday that the humanitarian situation in South Sudan is rapidly deteriorating, with women and children the hardest hit. The U.N. Mission in South Sudan said some 100,000 people have been internally displaced by fighting that broke out nine days ago in Juba and has spread across the country…” (Green, 12/24).