Source: United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) |

UNMISS provides protection to civilians fleeing Violence in Wau

JUBA, South Sudan, June 27, 2016/APO/ --

UNMISS is continuing to provide protection to approximately 10,000 civilians in Wau, following the outbreak of violence. At this time, UNMISS military forces have created a security cordon around an area adjacent to the UN base and peacekeepers are conducting active patrolling to ensure the safety of the displaced civilians within this area. This area is currently secure and humanitarian partners are providing basic assistance to the displaced people. UNMISS is currently negotiating with the SPLA for access to Wau town to conduct additional patrols to protect the civilian population in the town.

UNMISS wishes to clarify that opening its gates are not a first line of response in the protection of civilians.  Opening the gates is an exceptional measure of last resort to be undertaken only when all other means of protection have been exhausted.  UN bases are not designed to serve as shelters for displaced populations. At this time, UNMISS is continuing to provide a secure environment for those displaced by the violence in Wau adjacent to its base. UNMISS will consider additional measures in line with its mandate should the security situation deteriorate further. 

Distributed by APO Group on behalf of United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS).