18 December 2013 – Large numbers of people in need of medical attention after two days of violence constitute the most acute humanitarian challenge facing the South Sudanese capital Juba, the UN resident and humanitarian coordinator said today.

Speaking to Radio Miraya, Toby Lanzer, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for South Sudan, said that although the situation in Juba was calmer than it had been in days, UNMISS and UN agencies were also concerned about the plight of thousands of civilians who have taken refuge in the mission’s two camps in the national capital.

“There were civilians who were caught in the crossfire… seriously wounded,” he said. “The UN and our partner organizations are just this morning stepping up assistance at the Juba Teaching Hospital and other medical installations.”

Mr. Lanzer, who addressed civilians staying in temporary shelters in the UNMISS compound adjacent to Juba International Airport, said that if calm was fully restored, they would have to make their own decisions on whether or not to leave mission premises.

“While they are with us, we’ll do what we can to provide them with water, sanitary (facilities), shelter and ‘a semblance’ of security, (with our limited resources),” he said. “We can’t foretell what will happen in future, but we will keep a steady eye on things.”

Despite an apparent calm in Juba, civilians continued to trickle into the UNMISS compound, leading the mission to step up its provision of basic facilities, including ablutions.

The mission has treated over 100 wounded people brought to its clinics in Juba and the Jonglei State capital Bor since hostilities started on 15 December. Eleven babies have so far been born in UNMISS clinics in the two cities.

Members of the UN Security Council yesterday commended UNMISS for providing shelter, protection and humanitarian assistance to civilians affected by the crisis, as well as for contacting key leaders to find a resolution to the crisis.

In a telephone call with President Salva Kiir Mayardit yesterday, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon urged all parties to cease hostilities immediately. He expressed his hope that the security situation in Juba will quickly normalize to enable civilians to safely return to their homes.

The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for South Sudan, Hilde F. Johnson yesterday called on the country’s leaders, political factions and parties and community leaders to refrain from any action that could fuel ethnic tensions and exacerbate violence.

“South Sudan’s greatest asset is not only its resources, but its people and their diversity,” said Ms. Johnson. “UNMISS calls for restraint, and appeals to all to seek a peaceful conclusion to the current crisis. At this juncture, discipline, command and control in the security forces are also more important than ever.”