Internal Displaced Person (IDPs) at Old Fangak in Jonglei State, after fleeing fighting. | Photo: Thomas Tut.

UNICEF reports that 540 children in Jonglei State have been separated from their families while fleeing violence across the state, some of whom are either missing or are believed to have been abducted amid the recent conflict.

Speaking at a press briefing in Juba on Thursday following a field visit to affected areas, UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban described the accounts of mothers who lost children as “terrifying.”

He said the conflict has displaced 268000 people since the start of the year and that many individuals; particularly in northern Jonglei; fled violence, with some becoming separated from their children during fight.

“We and our protection partners are working to reunite children with their families,” Chaiban said. Chaiban warned of a widening protection crisis for women and children.

“Women and children have done nothing to contribute to this escalation of violence, and yet many find themselves; sometimes repeatedly; separated from their children, with limited food and no security,” he said after discussions with UNICEF teams and partners and visits to conflict-affected locations.

He also highlighted the damage to public services. “Each health center and water point represents investments by partners, including UNICEF.

Global resources and attention for development are limited; we cannot continually repair and replace infrastructure that is damaged or looted,” Chaiban said, noting that while donor contributions are generous, repeated reinvestment is unsustainable.

Chaiban reminded all parties to the conflict of their obligations under humanitarian law to protect vulnerable populations, including women, children, and their property.