A German human rights and relief organization says the health of more than 180,000 people in northern Unity State is at risk due to drinking of water contaminated by crude oil.

Sign of Hope says it conducted a scientific study on water quality and contamination in the area over the last six years.

“There is a direct link between the oil exploration and production in the northern part of Unity State and the contamination of drinking water in this area,” said Klaus Stieglitz, Vice Chairman of the German human rights and relief organisations Sign of Hope.

“We want to share this information with the affected population in order to create awareness of this issue. We aim to empower the local population to discuss this matter with the oil industry.”

It says the findings of the study will enable the South Sudanese people to make a dialogue with the oil industry and claim their rights.