Peacekeeping troops have been urgently deployed to Aburoc in the Upper Nile region by the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) to help enable the delivery of much needed humanitarian assistance.

“The aim is to provide humanitarian groups with the confidence they need to resume the provision of urgent assistance to tens of thousands of people in Aburoc who are fleeing the ongoing violence,” said the Head of UNMISS, David Shearer.

“This short-term deployment is a response to an immediate need and will provide a light and temporary peacekeeping footprint in the area.”

Currently up to 50,000 people are sheltering in and around the town of Aburoc on the west bank of the River Nile after a series of clashes between Government and Opposition forces. The most urgent humanitarian need is to provide safe drinking water.

“Without a secure supply of clean water, there is a risk of an outbreak of diarrhoea.or even cholera which has the potential to kill thousands of vulnerable people. It is vital that our humanitarian partners are able to get this water and other aid through to alleviate the suffering,” said David Shearer.

“I also note that the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) has acknowledged UNMISS’ intention to help facilitate the provision of humanitarian assistance to the people of the Upper Nile.”

The peacekeeping troops’ immediate focus will be on securing the roads to provide safe passage for the delivery and collection of water and other assistance by humanitarian groups. There is a risk of old landmines on the road between Kodok and Auburoc so the UN Mine Action Service is currently assessing the situation and will remove any unexploded ordnance to reduce the threat and enable people to move freely.

**Follow link http://bit.ly/2p8mJiE - David Shearer, SRSG of the UNMISS, reads press release and answers questions concerning the mission's response to the current humanitarian crisis in Aburoc, South Sudan   or visit UNMISS Website www.unmiss.unmissions.org

For media enquiries, please contact

Deputy Spokesperson: Shantal Persaud – persaud@un.org 211912177592