ICRC works to relieve the displaced in South Sudan

Violence in South Sudan has caused casualties and new civilian displacement over the past three months, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said, noting that it sent its rapid-response surgical team to the remote Jonglei state and to Wau, and distributed aid to thousands and eased the shortage of clean water for displaced people. Following an armed cattle rustling attack on February 8 in a remote part of Jonglei state, a number of wounded people, most of them civilians, reached the village of Walgak in Akobo County. Some had serious gunshot injuries that initially ruled out evacuation to a hospital. The ICRC therefore sent a rapid-response surgical team, normally based in Malakal Teaching Hospital, to the village. “No matter what side they are on, the wounded have the right to receive medical attention. The ICRC provides support for health-care facilities across South Sudan when there is an influx of casualties, either by donating medical supplies or by deploying a surgical team,” said Dr. Cleto Chashi, in charge of the ICRC’s health programs in the country. “Our surgical team reached Walgak within 24 hours of being notified, and provided emergency surgical care to 16 wounded people.” Four of the patients treated were subsequently taken to Malakal Teaching Hospital by the ICRC for further surgery and post-operative care. The ICRC is also looking into other ways to step up its humanitarian assistance in Jonglei state as armed fighting continues to disrupt civilian life there. In November, the organization provided two days of training in international humanitarian law, focusing on command responsibility in the planning and conduct of military operations, for senior South Sudanese army officers stationed in Pibor town. Meanwhile, the South Sudan Red Cross has now set up an emergency action team based in Pibor.