The fighting which broke out in Juba, at the beginning of July, between rival SPLA and SPLA-IO forces littered the capital with explosive hazards. Every year in South Sudan, many civilians are killed or injured by Explosive Remnants of War (ERW), which are shells, grenades and other weapons that do not explode upon impact, but remain highly dangerous. The impact of ERW remains long after the guns have silenced. ERW not only prevent humanitarian actors from being able to deliver vital aid, their presence can prevent children from accessing education, or families from accessing productive land and water sources.

The United Nations Mine Action Service (UNMAS) is an integral part of UNMISS and works to remove the threats posed by ERW. In the wake of the July fighting, UNMAS launched an information campaign using local radio stations and other media to spread information about how to recognise an ERW, to ensure that people knew not to touch the hazard and that they knew how to report information to UNMAS, so that the threat could be removed. One of the ways people were invited to report explosive hazards was to the mine action hotline.

In the immediate aftermath of the conflict, the mine action hotline received up to 40 calls per day. One such call was from Head Teacher, Mrs. Lucy Andur, at the Green Hill Primary School in Gudele, Juba. During the recent fighting that took place the school had sustained significant damage. Mrs. Andur, was particularly worried about explosive hazards that could be lying around and the threat they might pose to the children. On its database, UNMAS has recorded 331 schools in South Sudan, which have been rendered inaccessible because of suspected explosive hazards. This year UNMAS has worked closely with education service providers, including the Ministry of Education, UNICEF and the Norwegian Refugee Council, to prioritise schools that must be surveyed and cleared to enable children to return to class. With less than half of South Sudan’s children having access to education, clearance of schools remains a key priority for the brave Explosive Ordnance Disposal teams. UNMAS clearance teams deployed to Green Hill to make it safe for Mrs. Andur and her pupils, removing a rocket propelled grenade, amongst other items.

In the two weeks following the July conflict, UNMAS removed 15 explosive hazards from key locations in Juba, including the World Food Programme warehouse, the UNDP compound, churches and the international airport.

Should you see something that looks suspicious and that you think might be ERW, call the mine action hotline on 092 000 1055.