28 December 2013 - Individuals behind any internal violence like fighting would be reported to local security forces, UNMISS' Unity Acting State Coordinator told civilians sheltering at the mission's base today in the capital Bentiu.

Kwame Dwamena-Aboagye urged the internally displace persons (IDPs) to report any cases of smuggled weapons or alcohol and to cooperate in maintaining internal security. He also briefed them on the progress of aid delivery and UNMISS and humanitarian efforts to assist residents.

Operating as an emergency measure, the UNMISS camp is providing water and medical services for IDPs. Gradually humanitarian actors are stepping in to provide food and additional supplies for the makeshift clinic operated by one UNICEF doctor.

The distribution of non- food items will soon begin and the International Committee of the Red Cross will be setting up a hospital with surgical capacity, combining UNMISS and its own resources.

Provision of services and supplies was delayed due to lack of security for vehicles to transport them. UNMISS peacekeepers are protecting convoys as well as civilians in the temporary camp.

Today’s gathering was one of many smaller meetings UNMISS staff have had with IDP community leaders. Since 19 December, the UNMISS base has become a refuge for more than 7,000 IDPs of various nationalities, with the majority being South Sudanese.