As the level of violence seems to have reached its highest peak, families in South Sudan are forced to flee their homes. It is estimated that while over one million individuals have been displaced, many others are facing severe hunger.

Civilians are moving either internally or to other neighbouring countries in order to seek refuge. As it has been reported, some 300,000 individuals have sought protection in neighbouring countries. On the other hand over 1.1 million people are internally displaced. To add insult to injury, civilians are not only faced with renewed threat of violence, but also with risk of floods. Indeed, the current efforts by international humanitarian actors are very much focused on helping these individuals survive; thus making any assistance measure indispensable and crucial.

The violence which has escalated is a result of a conflict which broke out in December 2013 when South Sudan was, and still can be, considered as a newly-formed state.  Tensions arose within the armed forces of South Sudan, better known as the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). These were later followed by violent conflicts between Dinka and the Neur which constitute two of the largest ethnic groups in South Sudan. Although the current violent episodes are mostly triggered by ethnic factors, fire was opened on those who were allegedly supporters of the regime. 

As it has been reported, the number of deaths is in the tens of thousands and each corner of the state has been severely impacted by the violent tensions.

A number of humanitarian actors, including the United Nations and the EU, have been on the ground since the conflict started. For instance this year, the EU and its Member States have provided assistance which is estimated to add up to € 186 million. However, the current situation is calling for enhanced concerted efforts.

The Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations (FAO), which leads international efforts against hunger, has been keeping a close eye on the situation. It has warned that because of the increased number of displacements, farmers are missing on the planting season which lasts from March till June. Thus violence is also worsening the situation by triggering a wider food security crisis. Although some farmers were able to make it for planting season, it is evident that there is a real risk of famine.

People are struggling to sustain themselves and they are resorting to hunting or basing their diet on vegetables alone. Others have been killing livestock and it has been reported that there are other reasons causing this, other than the need for food. A number of humanitarian actors, along with the FAO, have been distributing emergency kits. These are intended to assist civilians in fighting food shortage and they include vaccines for livestock, fishing gears and vegetable seeds. The EU has also provided basic healthcare, food assistance and access to clean water for those people affected by the conflict.

According to the EU, a total of 5 million individuals are in need of humanitarian assistance; while 7 million are at risk of food shortage.

Unfortunately, those offering assistance are finding great obstacles, such as the cholera outbreak, which hamper their efforts of aiding people. Since April, 1,300 cases of cholera have been reported.

The situation in South Sudan cannot be isolated. In today's globalised world the effects can be felt not only from neighbouring countries.  As facts show, South Sudan is in need of a substantial improvement in the security situation. This can minimise the number of obstacles, which also humanitarian actors find when trying to provide assistance. The people of South Sudan are currently lacking proper food supplies, protection, sanitation, healthcare and shelter.