15 January 2014 - UNMISS will use all resources available to protect civilians taking refuge in UN compounds from continuing conflict in South Sudan, UNMISS Spokesperson Ariane Quentier told UN Radio Miraya today.

“The UN will do its outmost to protect civilians with and within the limits of its capacity of resources … and in general go at length to protect civilians,” said Ariane Quentier.

She said the UN message to those sheltering at UN compounds fearing for their safety was that the UN was committed to protect everyone, regardless of their background.

“The UN is committed to protect every single civilian, wherever they come from, whoever they are and what their background is,” said Ms. Quentier. “The UN remains committed to provide the conditions for humanitarian assistance to reach them in the protected sites.”

Currently, 65,000 civilians are sheltering in UN compounds in Juba, Bor, Malakal and other areas around the country.

Ms. Quentier said UNMISS would open their bases to people seeking protection and the United Nations would reach out to those outside UN bases.