31 May 2014 - Targeting the most vulnerable, UNMISS and partners today began relocating people seeking protection at the mission’s base in Malakal, Upper Nile State, to a new site.

The area, located within the mission walls, affords the displaced better hygiene, more water points for clean drinking water and tents for shelter.

Danish Refugee Council representative Rakella Larson said 400 households would initially be moved. They would live in 47 tents, with an average of eight to 10 people living in each.

“This is the first day of our relocation of … families in the most affected areas within the camp, mainly the vulnerable,” Ms. Larson said. “The rest will follow after.”

Upper Nile State Coordinator’s Deborah Schein noted that the new site had better services. “I am very pleased that we can move people to better conditions. This is the day we are been waiting for.”

Mary Benson, a displaced mother of four who came to Malakal with her children from an overcrowded camp in Fashoda County, expressed pleasure at the new site.

“I was surrounded by water in all directions in my previous shelter, but now I have access to clean drinking water and most importantly … (there are) latrines here,” Ms. Benson said.

Other displaced people stated their enthusiasm about the new location. “I can see the place is well prepared … much better than my former shelter,” said Daniel Chol Akol.