The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross arrives in Juba Thursday morning to view the effects of the conflict on the civilians.

Peter Maurer is expected to meet with government officials and visit ICRC food, medical/surgical, and water assistance operations in the field.

In a statement, ICRC President Peter Maurer says the number of hungry and displaced South Sudanese is overwhelming.

“The number of hungry and displaced South Sudanese is overwhelming,” Mr. Maurer said.

“The staggering scale of suffering is evidence of the cumulative effect of 3.5 years of a style of fighting that appears calibrated to maximize misery. “

The ICRC says severe physical and sexual attacks against civilians, obstruction of healthcare delivery and other abuses continue to be reported across South Sudan.

“Warfare should not directly impact the lives of so many civilians,” he added.

The ICRC President will then travel to Uganda to meet with the Ugandan President and visit refugee camps hosting South Sudanese.