South Sudan - a year of war in the world's youngest nation

Today marks the first anniversary of the conflict in South Sudan. The country is now facing a severe food crisis, with 2.5 million people at risk of starvation. Since the outbreak of fighting on December 15, 2013, 1.9 million people have been displaced from their homes. Almost half a million of them have fled to neighboring countries, where they now live in very basic conditions.

About the conflict

South Sudan is one of the youngest and most unstable nations in the world. Its people have been severely affected by the ongoing fighting, by long-standing political grievances and by the lack of functioning infrastructure. The conflict that broke out in Juba a year ago quickly turned into a national disaster. By September 2014, more than 10,000 people had lost their lives, while a quarter of the country's population was at risk of starvation.

The conflict has not only affected people directly, but also through serious side effects. Almost 2 million people have been forced to leave their homes and livelihoods, trade has come to a standstill and food production has declined. With many farmers forced to abandon their land, crops have been destroyed and more people are now at risk of starvation.

With very little domestic capacity to deal with the situation in the country, the need for external assistance is high. Oxfam, like other organizations on the ground, has flagged that the situation will deteriorate further in 2015.

Oxfam's effort

Oxfam is on the ground in South Sudan to help where it is needed. Oxfam's emergency response team has so far reached over 360,000 people, including providing clean water to 79,000 people, sanitation to 60,000 people and food to over 90,000 people.

"The situation in the country is very critical. Now that the rainy season is over, there is a risk that fighting will escalate and force more people to flee. Millions of people have already left their homes and many of them do not have food for the day. We had to act now to prevent the situation from deteriorating further"

Zlatko Gegic, Oxfam Country Director in South Sudan.

"The most important thing right now is to bring about an immediate ceasefire. We therefore appeal to both parties to the conflict to sit down at the negotiating table to discuss a lasting political solution. A long-term ceasefire is a prerequisite for turning the situation in the country around."

According to Gegic, humanitarian efforts so far have focused on keeping people alive. "Now it is important that we also put pressure on the warring parties to reach a long-term solution. We also need increased funding to reach more people in the most affected areas.

"Oxfam is actively working to help people affected by the conflict. Over the past year, we have reached over 360,000 people. The humanitarian response in the country has been life-changing for many South Sudanese. Now we are facing a situation where 2.5 million people are at risk of starvation - the sooner we prepare for this, the more people we can help. We also need to make sure that the warring parties give us access everywhere so that we can reach everyone who needs help."