The International Committee of the Red Cross has warned that the dependency on emergency aid will likely rise to alarming levels, following the most recent clashes in Unity State.

Thousands of civilians have fled the state after fighting resumed this week between the government and the SPLA In Opposition.

ICRC’s Head of Delegation in South Sudan, Franz Rauchenstein says the organization is concerned by the immediate humanitarian consequences on the civilian population.

He urged the warring sides to respect international law.

“At all times, those who do not take part in the hostilities must be spared and the distinction needs to be made between civilian objectives and military objectives,” he said.

He reminds all parties to the conflict of their clear obligations in the conduct of military operations.

He also called on the protection of women and children.