Situation Overview: Upper State, South October - December 2018

Map 1: Assessment coverage in UNS in October security, education, nutrition and protection Introduction METHODOLOGY (A), November (B) and December 2018 (C) in their previous settlements-of-residence. In the fourth quarter of 2018, State Primary data was triangulated with secondary To provide an overview of the situation in (UNS) saw localised insecurity in 0 - 4.9% C A information and past REACH assessments. largely inaccessible areas of Upper Nile State, and population inflows from neighbouring 5 - 10% REACH uses primary data from key informants 11 - 20% This situation overview (SO) evaluates who have recently arrived from, recently visited, Sudan and amplified by the onset of Manyo 21 - 50% changes in observed humanitarian needs or receive regular information from a location the dry season. Insecurity and reported returns 51 - 100% Renk across UNS in the fourth quarter of 2018. or “Area of Knowledge” (AoK). Information for may have also perpetuated food insecurity, Assessed settlement The first section analyses displacement and this report was collected from key informants limited access to protected water sources and B population movement to and from the area, in PoC site in Upper Nile as well as sub-standard internally displaced persons’ in Akobo, in neighbouring , in while the second section disaggregates trends (IDPs’) shelter conditions. Data on needs in October, November and December 2018. on access to food and basic services, including UNS is required to inform the humanitarian Malakal Fashoda Maban sections on food security and livelihoods (FSL); In-depth interviews were conducted over the first response. However, information gaps exist three weeks of each month. The standardised Panyikang Baliet protection; WASH and health; shelter and non- due to different regional dynamics and limited survey tool included questions on displacement access throughout much of the state. Longochuck food items (NFIs); and education. trends, population needs, food security and livelihoods, and access to basic services. After Nasir Information is presented across two geographic REACH has been assessing hard-to-reach Maiwut data collection was completed, all data was areas of since December 2015 Ulang zones in UNS: the western bank (Panyikang, Malakal, Fashoda and Manyo counties) and aggregated at settlement level, and settlements in order to inform the response of humanitarian were assigned the modal response. When no southeastern UNS (Nasir and Ulang counties). actors working outside formal settlement sites. consensus could be found for a settlement, that Data is collected on a monthly basis through The REACH team consistently covered Population Movement and settlement was not included in reporting. key informant interviews from settlements Panyikang, Malakal, Fashoda, Manyo, Ulang Data was analyzed at the county level using across the region. To ensure information and Nasir counties from October to December Displacement descriptive statistics and geospatial analysis. provided on settlements was current, REACH 2018 (Map 1). Improved security and family reunification- Only counties with interview coverage of at 2 interviewed KIs who were either new arrivals In the fourth quarter of 2018, REACH driven movement least 5% of all settlements in a given month were included in analysis. Due to access and from the assessed settlement or had contacted interviewed 490 key informants (KIs) from In the fourth quarter of 2018, localised operational constraints, the specific settlements an individual from there within the last month. 188 settlements in six counties of UNS. This confidence-building measures implemented by assessed within each county each month vary. data was supplemented with thirteen focus # of key informant interviews conducted: 490 armed actors across parts of UNS supporting In order to reduce the likelihood that variations group discussions (FGDs) conducted with 1 in data are attributable to coverage differences, # of assessed settlements: 188 free movement, coupled with seasonal road new arrivals from Fashoda, Manyo, Malakal passability during the dry season, contributed to over time analyses were only conducted for # of counties covered: 6 (of 12) and Panyikang counties in Malakal Protection counties with at least 70% consistent payam3 an apparent increase of population movements # of focus group discussions conducted: 13 of Civilians (PoC) site on displacement, food coverage over the period. toward family reunification (Map 2). However,

1. Reported by UNMISS and humanitarian partners to an Inter-Cluster Working Group (ICWG) in Malakal, December 2018; WFP, First River Convoy in Five Years, October 2018. 2. To calculate the percentage of AoK coverage, the total number of settlements per county is based on OCHA settlement lists in addition to new settlements mapped by KIs reached each month. 3. Payams are the administrative unit at the sub-county level in South Sudan. cross-border movement appears to be mixed share reporting their primary motivation being Aburoc in reportedly also saw Food, water and service-driven movement and driven by an array of push and pull factors family reunification (28% in December).6 This some new arrivals from South Kordofan in this In the fourth quarter, movement to access as outlined in subsequent sections. movement was likely augmented by the return period (940 individuals between November services continued in UNS (Map 2). Primary of seasonal labourers who completed the sim and December).8 Some households returning Parts of southeastern UNS saw increasing data suggested that displacement was higher sim and sorghum harvests in Sudan in late by way of Malakal PoC site and Aburoc may movement into settlements outside of primary in Fashoda County: In December, 14% of December.7 Some additional cross-border have merely used them as family reunification population centres. During this period, assessed settlements reported a large-scale movement may have been due to push factors hubs before select, largely able-bodied male, humanitarian partners have noted self-reported displacement out of the settlement in the last such as poor conditions in refugee camps in household members proceeded to settlements- spontaneous returns from neighbouring three months. Most of this movement from Sudan, see ‘food, water and service-driven of-origin to assess security and available Ethiopia into Ulang, Maiwut and Longochok Fashoda County settlements was likely to other movement’ section for more details. services.9 counties. Whilst initial information suggests areas of the county as, of assessed Fashoda that this inflow back into South Sudan may Map 2: Movement into and out of UNS, October-December 2018 County settlements with IDPs who had arrived also be partly driven by insecurity in refugee Sudan in the last three months, the largest share camps in Gambella, more data is needed to (67%) reported that these IDPs had relocated better understand these movement dynamics, Insecuritydrien oeent from other settlements within Fashoda County. Refuee cap conditiondrien oeent including their scale. Of concern to returnees’ Reflectively, due to continued water shortage, Manyo !enk aily reunificationdrien oeent Omar! vulnerability is that all three counties have been ood and lielihoodsdrien oeent 378 individuals were displaced out of Aburoc ! ater shortaedrien oeent classified as IPC Phase 4 (‘Emergency’) as of Wadekona in Fashoda County between November and 4 enk County oundary September 2018, indicating very high levels of State oundary December to Lul and (Fashoda County), food insecurity. International oundary Wau Shilluk and Malakal PoC site (Malakal ! County capital County) and to Sudan.10 In addition to the Movement continued from the Sudan ! Settleent water challenges in Aburoc, Fashoda County region of Sudan toward central UNS and the Ô Protection of Ciilians (PoC) site ! aka saw declining access to food in this period western bank in this quarter. REACH port ! Melut ! (0% of assessed Fashoda County settlements and road monitoring in Renk Town tracks elal Aak horogwang reported adequate access to food in December population flows between and through Renk !Aburoc as compared with 29% in October), which and Sudan. Data from this activity suggests Malakal Fashoda!odok Maban ul may have further contributed to evidenced ! a net population inflow as opposed to a net From Ben Wau Shilluk! Upper Nile tiu PoC displacement. For more details see the food, outflow over the fourth quarter, with an average site Panyikang onga ÔÆ Malakal ! !Dor security, and livelihoods section of this SO. of 37 individuals entering South Sudan versus ! ! Baliet New Fangak one individual exiting per day (with the intention Owachi Food insecurity and livelihoods also motivated Fangak ongochuk Ethiopia to permanently stay) in December, though outflows from UNS in the fourth quarter. Data Jonglei not all entry points to Renk are monitored from REACH Renk port and road monitoring Nasir 5 Maiwut systematically. Inflows to South Sudan via Ulang ! demonstrated that 32% of households leaving etome ! Maiwut Renk town primarily reported Melut, Maban and ! South Sudan through Renk in December were Fashoda counties as well as to Malakal PoC ikou! motivated by a lack of food or jobs in their 11 site as their final destinations, with the largest Wanding! previous settlements. ire !

4. IPC, South Sudan Key Findings: September 2018-March 2019, September 2018. 10. DRC, CCCM Aburoc data, November-December 2018. 2 5. REACH, Port and Road Monitoring: Renk, December 2018. 11. REACH, Port and Road Monitoring: Renk, December 2018. 6. Ibid. 7. According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, November 2018. 8. DRC, CCCM Aburoc data, November-December 2018. 9. Ibid; According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, December 2018. Although some population inflows from Sudan in Nasir County in late December,17 primary Finally, despite localised confidence-building (30%), though the reasons for reliance on food were encouraged by a pull factor (family data suggested continued displacement in efforts, household decisions about where and aid varied by region. reunification), others may have been more Ulang and Nasir counties in the fourth quarter: how long to settle back in South Sudan were Southeastern UNS (Ulang and Nasir strongly motivated by a push factor (poor in December, 26% of assessed settlements reportedly partially attributable to security counties) living conditions). In particular, movement from with IDPs reported that the most recent IDPs considerations. In Manyo and Panyikang the South Kordofan region of Sudan to the had arrived in the last three months. This counties, the increased presence of different Access to food in assessed counties of western bank was reportedly amplified due to displacement largely manifested as internal armed actors reportedly dissuaded movement southeastern UNS was higher and more stable increasingly poor conditions in refugee camps.12 movements between and within the two to settlements outside of major population than in the western bank, though may reflect Arriving households primarily cited disease counties (50% and 20% of assessed Ulang centres.22 Further, inflows from Sudan remained the impact of humanitarian food assistance outbreaks, self-reportedly high mortality and County settlements with IDPs who had arrived primarily partial families, with respondents programmes. Over half (58%) of assessed limited water resources in these camps as the in the last three months reported that these reporting that they anticipated evaluating settlements in Ulang and Nasir counties chief reason for their return.13 IDPs came from Nasir County and other security and service conditions over the next reported adequate access to food in December settlements in , respectively) in as compared with 46% in October. Nevertheless, some IDP returns to Panyikang three months before making the decision about addition to some outflows to Ethiopia through 23 County were also observed, reportedly due whether to bring the rest of their families. Improved access to food was likely, in part, Jikmir in Nasir County.18 However, the scale to improved market access and intentions attributable to food assistance (Figure 1). By of such movement was likely limited as no Situation in Assessed to cultivate.14 Namely, previously displaced December, 63% of assessed Ulang and Nasir assessed settlements in Ulang and Nasir populations reportedly returned from New Settlements county settlements reported accessing food counties reported a large-scale displacement Fangak in neighbouring Jonglei State to Tonga Food security and livelihoods (FSL) assistance in the last three months, the highest out of the settlement between October and and from Malakal PoC site to Dor and Owachi.15 of assessed UNS counties outside of Malakal December 2018. Reflective of increased IDP returnee presence, Despite expected post-harvest improvements, County (93% in December). However, all 40% of assessed settlements in Panyikang Some households also reportedly came to UNS food insecurity and limited livelihoods assessed settlements with adequate access to County reported the return of former IDPs in the due to insecurity elsewhere. Several hundred opportunities remained challenges across food also reported receiving food assistance in last three months as of December. However, IDP returns arrived in Tonga in Panyikang assessed UNS counties in the fourth quarter Figure 1: Proportion of assessed SE UNS movement to eastern Panyikang County County from PoC site in neighbouring of 2018. Primary data suggested stable, but assistance-dependent, access to food in settlements reporting adequate access to food, reportedly remained limited due to anticipated Unity State due to reported intercommunal December 2018 concerns over land disputes.16 violence and heightened criminality.19 According Ulang and Nasir counties, some deterioration Adequate access to food to humanitarian partners, some spontaneous in access to food in Fashoda and Manyo Adequate access Insecurity-driven movement counties and continually limited access to food to food and had not received food returns were also registered from Ethiopia to assistance in last 3 months Despite some positive developments in security Maiwut and Longochuk counties, movement in Panyikang County. However, the severity of and access across UNS in this period, some which may have been spurred by increasing hunger may have been relatively stable as no counties continued to see movement motivated tensions between South Sudanese and Anyuak assessed UNS settlements with inadequate by real or perceived insecurity both within and host communities in Ethiopia, including a access to food reported that hunger was the outside South Sudan (Map 2). December cattle raid.20 However, the longevity of worst it could be any time in this quarter. The the these households’ residence in Longochuk largest share of all assessed UNS settlements 58420+A 01000+A Likely attributable to sustained tensions in 58% Yes 0% and Maiwut counties may be impacted by with inadequate access to food attributed their this area, culminating with some insecurity 42% No 100% continued projected food insecurity.21 hunger to the stopping of food distributions

12. DRC, Tonga and Panyikang Protection Factsheet, December 2018. 17. Reported by humanitarian partners, December 2018. 2018. 3 13. Ibid. 18. UNHCR, Humanitarian Situation Report, November 2018. 22. Accoridng to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, December 2018; 14. According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, December 19. DRC, Tonga and Panyikang Protection Factsheet, December 2018. REACH, Port and Road Monitoring: Renk, November and December 2018. 2018. 20. REACH, Port and Road Monitoring: Akobo, October, November and December 23. REACH, Port and Road Monitoring: Renk, September-December 2018; According 15. Ibid. 2018. to FGD participants interviewed in December 2018. 16. Ibid. 21. IPC, South Sudan Key Findings: September 2018-March 2019, September the last three months and no settlement without increasingly reported eating wild foods as a part declines in access to food may have resulted assistance remained limited in these counties assistance reported adequate access to food. of a main meal (from 43% in October to 67% from dry spells which, in turn, minimised the as, in December, 90% of assessed settlements The primary reasons reported by assessed in December), likely representing seasonal harvests during this period:24 of assessed in Fashoda and Manyo counties reported they settlements with inadequate access to food increased dependence during the dry season settlements in Manyo and Fashoda counties had not accessed food assistance in the last by December remained that it was unsafe to when wild foods are both more available and reporting inadequate access to food in three months.26 access land (50%) and the stopping of food other food sources are less so. Access to food December, the primary reported reasons were Food security remained a primary concern in distributions (39%). This likely reflects that varied across the western bank in the fourth lack of rain which reduced the harvest (52%) Panyikang County despite slight improvements people are unable to access land to cultivate quarter: demonstrating signs of deterioration and the cultivation period was too short (34%). in this quarter due to some cultivation and due to insecurity, the same insecurity that may in Fashoda and Manyo counties, slight In addition, no assessed settlements in Manyo increased access to markets. The proportion be restricting access to the food assistance improvement but continually low in Panyikang and Fashoda counties reported access to land of assessed Panyikang County settlements needed since cultivation was limited. County and slight improvement but continually for cultivation in December, a sharp decline self-reporting access to enough food over high in . Such variation in from 89% in October, which may have resulted As a result, needs remained high in assessed the quarter remained relatively stable: 30% in access to food may have been attributable from increased population inflows primarily to southeastern settlements without access October as compared with 40% by December. to differences in reported food assistance urban centres, perceptions of insecurity outside to food, the vast majority of which were not Some cultivation did occur in Panyikang coverage amidst cultivation challenges. of densely populated areas and the dry spells benefitting from food aid. Nearly all (94%) County during the harvest period as 93% of which degraded the land that was accessible.25 of assessed southeastern UNS settlements Food security in Fashoda and Manyo counties assessed settlements in December reported without access to food assistance reported likely deteriorated in the fourth quarter of 2018 As a result, of assessed Fashoda County access to land for cultivation and 87% reported that households ate one meal or less per day (Figures 2 and 3). The proportion of assessed settlements in December reporting inadequate cultivating crops for sustenance, the highest in December, the highest across assessed settlements reporting adequate access to access to food, 100% described hunger as across UNS after Malakal County. At the same UNS counties. In December, assessed Ulang food declined from 29% and 43% in October severe, with limited options to cope with time, access to markets also increased: 100% and Nasir county settlements without access to to 0% and 0% by December, respectively. reduced food access. FGD participants reported of assessed Panyikang County settlements food assistance also reported the highest rates In counties that are largely dependent on that in , food availability in this reported availability of a functional market in of severe coping mechanisms during times of cultivation for livelihoods and food (97% of period remained stable in settlements between Figure 3: Proportion of assessed settlements hunger including going days without eating assessed settlements in Fashoda and Manyo Thorogwang and Kaka while that in settlements reporting severe coping mechanisms, Fashoda (94%), only children eating (94%), sending counties in December reported cultivation as between Kaka and Wadekona settlements was County family to displacement camps (31%) and selling their primary source of food), such evidenced more limited (Map 2). At the same time, food more livestock that usual (100%). Such severe Skipping Eating wild Only letting Slaughtering Figure 2: Proportion of assessed settlements reporting adequate access to food and frequency of meals foods children eat more livestock coping mechanisms may further limit future aid- meals versus land for cultivation, Manyo and Fashoda counties independent food security. Sept-18 14% 9% 0% 29% Adequate access to food Western bank (Panyikang, Malakal, Fashoda 89% Land for cultivation Eating one meal or less per day 43% 52% 24% 43% and Manyo counties) Oct-18 Restricted food production coupled with limited 32% Nov-18 32% 16% 4% 0% food assistance continued throughout the 18% 7% western bank in this quarter. At the same time, 0% 9% 45% 0% 0% Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 Dec-18 assessed settlements across the western bank

24. According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, October and December 2018. 4 25. Ibid. 26. AoK data mirrors WFP distribution schedules from this period which included no food distribution sites in Manyo County and only select ones in Fashoda County: WFP, IRRM Weekly Updates, October-December 2018. Figure 4: Proportion of assessed settlements reporting adequate access to food versus access to until March, western bank populations largely the fourth quarter demonstrated little change markets, food assistance in the last three months and cultivation, Panyikang County depend on dairy and other animal products,29 from the second and third quarters,32 with Adequate access to food Food assistance Access to a market Cultivation of crops for cash or sustenance so such patterns exacerbated by severe coping assessed settlements majorly reporting sexual 100% mechanisms may impact future FSL of these and gender-based violence (SGBV) and family 84% 87% counties. Given current and future strains, separation for women, and intra-communal 67% 47% reported inflows to Panyikang County were still violence and cattle raids for men (Figure 5). 44% 40% assessing food security before determining the The spike in concerns of intra-communal 30 11% longevity of their stay. violence (reported by 23% of assessed UNS settlements reported killing within the tribe or Sep-18 Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 In comparison, access to food in Malakal violence between neighbours in December as walking distance in December as compared market prices for food. County improved, perhaps resulting from compared with only 7% in September) may be with 60% in October. The expansion of markets increased food assistance: 79% of assessed Moreover, demonstrated improvement in attributable to increasing rates of spontaneous was reportedly linked with free river movement Malakal County settlements reported adequate access to food may be partially attributable to returns which may spark land disputes, while from Tonga to Malakal Town following reports access to food while, correspondingly, 93% the increased proportion of assessed Panyikang continued concerns of cattle raids follow of improved access.27 Such improved market reported access to food assistance in the last County settlements reporting receiving food seasonal trends of cattle grazing at the onset access may have also been a pull factor as three months in December, as compared with assistance in the last three months (from 11% of the dry season. Further research is needed FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC 55% and 59%, respectively, in October. in September to 47% by December). The to better understand this emerging trend, site reported some households returning in increased river access may have increased Protection especially in light of persistently high levels order to cultivate and sell goods in Panyikang access to food assistance as well as markets in Fear of insecurity across assessed areas of UNS of inter-communal violence in other parts of County. 28 both Tonga and Malakal PoC site. continued to drive protection concerns in the South Sudan. Nevertheless, long-term food security may be Further, livestock-rearing and thus access to fourth quarter. The proportion of assessed UNS Southeastern UNS (Ulang and Nasir stymied by a small harvest and thus market- animal food sources may have decreased settlements reporting most people did not feel counties) dependent economy in Panyikang County in Panyikang and Fashoda counties in this safe most of the time was comparable to that in (Figure 4). The largest share (73%) of assessed Protection concerns in assessed Ulang and quarter. In December, 100% and 60% of the third quarter: 44% in December versus 34% Panyikang County settlements in December Nasir county settlements concentrated on assessed settlements with inadequate access in September. However, general perceptions reported that food was primarily bought with violent crime: 40% of assessed settlements in to food in Panyikang and Fashoda counties, of insecurity may not reflect consistent fears cash. This could suggest that despite some Ulang and Nasir counties reported a conflict respectively, reported that a livestock disease of political conflict but rather of heightened farmers’ planting crops, harvests were limited. resulting in the death of at least one civilian outbreak had a significant impact on ability to criminality-related violence around the festive However, this reliance on markets is driving in December, comparable to 50% in October. access enough food. This is likely reflected season. The primary protection concerns in food insecurity for many settlements. The Such indicators likely reflect sustained tensions in that 54% of assessed settlements in primary reported reason for hunger among Panyikang and Fashoda counties did not Figure 5: Most cited protection concerns for men and women (18 years and older) in assessed UNS

assessed Panyikang County settlements 19+16+15 regularly consume dairy or milk in December. settlements, December 2018 reporting inadequate access to food was 31 Further, 38% of assessed Panyikang and Intra-communal violence 23% 50% Gender-based violence that food prices were too high (88%). Thus, Fashoda county settlements reported selling harvests may struggle to last through the lean Inter-communal violence 16% 17% Family separation more livestock than usual in December. season resulting in only further increasing Cattle raid 15% 3% Harassment to disclose information

During the dry season, running from October 3+17+50

27. According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, December 2018; Reported by humanitarian and 30. According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, December 2018. 5 UNMISS partners at an ICWG meeting in Malakal, November 2018. 31. Intra-communal violence represents the aggregation of two response options: killing or injury from a member of the 28. According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, December 2018. same tribe and violence between neighbours. 29. FEWSNET, Livelihoods Zones for the Republic of South Sudan, August 2018; According to FGD participants 32. REACH, Situation Overview: Upper Nile State, April-June 2018; REACH, Situation Overview: Upper Nile State, July- interviewed in Malakal PoC site, January 2019. September 2018. across southeastern UNS that mounted with Reflective of contextual developments, Figure 6: Proportion of assessed UNS settlements reporting any latrine use and proper localised insecurity in Nasir County. Cattle concerns of forced recruitment for boys in handwashing in the western bank (WB) and southeastern (SE) UNS 79% 65% 72% raiding is most common in the dry season Panyikang County increased: 60% of assessed 56% with cattle migrating further from settlements settlements reported forced recruitment as the 33% 30% 32% 35% 26% 27% 21% 20% toward grazing areas, which in turn may spark primary protection concern for boys (younger 14% 9% 17% 17% inter-communal violence. As the dry season than 18 years), an increase from 5% in October. WB SE UNS WB SE UNS WB SE UNS WB SE UNS will continue through the first quarter of 2019, Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Sep-18 Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 cattle raiding and inter-communal violence are and Health Any people using latrines Handwashing with soap or ash likely to remain primary protection concerns. Further, likely corresponding with the continued WASH and health indicators demonstrated little reported walking half a day or longer in order that people could not access their preferred displacement, a large share (81%) of assessed change between the third and fourth quarters of to access their preferred water source in water point due to conflict, comparable to 39% settlements in Ulang and Nasir counties 2018, with WASH needs remaining high. December as compared with 0% in September. in August. Relatedly, Aburoc in Fashoda County, still reported the presence of unaccompanied Sanitation practices were also better among In the western bank, access to clean water faced acute water shortage in this quarter and minors by December. assessed southeastern UNS settlements: was consistently the worst of assessed areas a hydrogeological survey found that potential 79% of assessed Ulang and Nasir county Western bank (Panyikang, Malakal, Fashoda of UNS, with the largest proportion of assessed for deep borehole drilling was limited.35 settlements reported people using latrines and Manyo counties) settlements sourcing water primarily from Although water trucking will continue through unprotected sources: only 3% of assessed in December, an improvement from 56% in In comparison, the proportion of assessed the dry season, small-scale displacement will western bank settlements reported access September. Humanitarian partners report that settlements reporting crime as a protection likely continue due to such challenges with to a functional borehole by December, while 36 this increase may be attributable to inflows from concern was higher in the western bank. Likely sustainable, year-round water access. the largest portion (78%) fetched water refugee camps in Ethiopia where populations as a result of increased financial demands primarily from rivers. Nevertheless, assessed No access in Manyo and Panyikang counties were better educated on proper sanitation during the festive season, 15% of assessed settlements in Malakal and Fashoda counties and only limited access in Malakal and practices. western bank settlements reported an incident increasingly sourced water from more protected Fashoda counties to protected water sources of looting in December. Crime spiked sharply The proportion of assessed settlements sources including 14% of assessed Fashoda is especially concerning given reported poor in Malakal County where 64% of assessed reporting access to healthcare remained stable County and 36% of assessed Malakal County sanitation practices across in the area: 17% of settlements reported an incident of looting in across assessed UNS counties between the settlements sourcing water from boreholes assessed western bank settlements reported December as compared with 24% in October. third and fourth quarters (Figure 7). The majority or tap stands in December as compared with anyone using latrines in December, marking a This may be attributable to the urbanisation (65%) of assessed UNS settlements reported 4% and 0%, respectively, in July. Moreover, in decline from 33% in September (Figure 6). of the county’s population, centralised near that they could access healthcare services by Fashoda County, the onset of the dry season to Malakal Town and the PoC site, as well as In southeastern UNS, access to improved December, comparable to 70% in September. and some reliance on seasonal water sources increased economic pressures on its residents water sources was higher though continually However, healthcare may have improved may have contributed to the increasing distance to support family members newly arriving to restricted due to insecurity. The majority (58%) in Panyikang County where all assessed walked in order to fetch water: in December, the county from other settlements in UNS and of assessed Ulang and Nasir county settlements settlements reported the accessibility of 14% of assessed Fashoda County settlements Sudan.33 Malakal also saw a spike in reported continued to report boreholes as their primary healthcare services in December as compared reported that water sources were not available suicides in December due to similar economic water source in December, comparable to 65% with only 45% in October. Nevertheless, a in both the dry and rainy seasons. Reflectively, pressures.34 in September. However, 33% of assessed large share (20%) of assessed Panyikang 19% of assessed Fashoda County settlements Ulang and Nasir county settlements reported County settlements with access to healthcare

33. According to FGD participants in Malakal PoC site, January 2019. 6 34. Reported by humanitarian partners to an ICWG in Malakal, December 2018. 35. International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), Aburoc: Hydrogeological and Geophysical Investigation Report, November 2018; The ICRC is a neutral, impartial and independent humanitarian organization that operates outside the United Nations cluster approach. It is not funded by nor is accountable to the cluster system. 36. REACH, Aburoc Water Shortage: Context and Surge Capacity Analysis, November 2018. Figure 7: Access to health services in assessed Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFIs) the western bank with IDPs reported that they Map 3: Proportion of assessed settlements UNS settlements, December 2018 lived in the open without shelter by December reporting an NFI distribution occurred in the last UNS saw limited change in shelter and Southeastern UNS Western bank (Figure 8). three months in October (A), November (B) and NFI needs between the second and fourth December 2018 (C) C A quarters. Across assessed counties of UNS, However, perhaps attributable to increased 0% IDPs inhabited less permanent shelters than population movements, in this quarter, 1 - 20% 21 - 40% their host community counterparts. Assessed Panyikang County saw an increase in the 41 - 60% Manyo 61 - 80% settlements continued to report host community proportion of assessed settlements with IDPs 81 - 100% Renk members living in tukuls:39 79% of host reporting IDPs living in impermanent shelters: Insufficient data 563311+A 72280+A Assessed settlement 56% Yes 72% communities were reported primarily living in 22% of Panyikang County settlements with B 33% No 28% tukuls by December. In comparison, the largest IDPs reported IDPs primarily accommodated 37 11% No consensus 0% portion (34%) of assessed UNS settlements in impermanent structures in December, an Melut

with IDPs continued to report IDPs living in increase from 0% in November. Fashoda Maban in December reported having to walk a full Malakal rakoobas by December. day to reach these services. Such indicators Nevertheless, access to NFIs distributions Panyikang Baliet likely reflects the positive impact of expanded IDPs in southeastern UNS reportedly faced appeared to remain higher in Ulang and Nasir Longochuck humanitarian healthcare service provision in worse shelter conditions than those in the counties than in the western bank (Map 3): in Nasir Tonga but continually limited mobile services Maiwut western bank, perhaps reflecting continued December, 69% of assessed settlements in Ulang outside of the urban centre.38 pendular displacement between Ulang and southeastern UNS reported an NFI distribution Although the largest share (55%) of assessed Nasir counties resulting in more transitional, had occurred in the last three months compared UNS settlements continued to report malaria impermanent shelter accommodations. The with only 19% of those in the western bank. of assessed Nasir County settlements without or fever as their primary health concern majority (68%) of assessed Ulang and Nasir Across all assessed UNS counties, the largest access to educational services reported that by December, waterborne diseases and county settlements with IDPs reported IDPs share of assessed settlements with IDPs this resulted from insecurity. In comparison, malnutrition may have increasingly presented living in the open without any form of shelter. reported blankets (33%), plastic sheets (14%) in the western bank, the primary obstacles to challenges in parts the state. A large share In comparison, no assessed settlements in and cooking pots (14%) as their primary NFI education were legacies of previous fighting: (26% and 21%) of assessed Panyikang and needs by December. 29% and 21% of assessed western bank Malakal county settlements, respectively, Figure 8: Proportion of assessed UNS Education settlements reported that education services reported a waterborne illness as their primary settlements with IDPs reporting IDPs living in The proportion of assessed settlements were inaccessible in December because health issue in December. This may reflect the open without shelter reporting access to education services in facilities were destroyed during conflict and continued challenges with accessing water Southeastern UNS Western bank UNS remained low in the fourth quarter: only teachers had been displaced, respectively. As from unprotected sources, especially in 82% 81% 33% and 19% of assessed western bank and a result, FGD participants reported that access counties evidencing some population growth 68% southeastern UNS settlements, respectively, to education services in the western bank due to inflows. Further, in Ulang County, 22% reported access to education services in remained largely limited to urban centres. of assessed settlements reported malnutrition 3% 8% December. In southeastern UNS, in particular, as their primary health concern in December, 0% Gendered barriers to education were reported this may indicate inaccessibility of such services perhaps reflecting coinciding population 82+81+683+8+0 across most UNS counties (Figure 9). Access due to heightened tensions: in December, 25% movements at the onset of the dry season. Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 Oct-18 Nov-18 Dec-18 to education continued to be especially

37. “No consensus” stands for settlements where multiple key informants were surveyed but no consensus was found for the respective indicator. 7 38. OCHA, South Sudan: Operational Presence 3Ws, November 2018. 39. Although tukuls and rakoobas are both categorised as semi-permanent shelters, tukuls are shelters constructed with mud bricks and a grass thatch roof while rakoobas are made from poles and plastic tarpaulin, thus considered to be the more vulnerable of the two shelter types. gendered in southeastern UNS where all Figure 9: Most cited barriers to education for boys and girls in UNS of assessed settlements while in the western bank, the majority were assessed settlements in December with reporting half or less of boys or girls attend school, December 2018 accommodated in semi-permanent shelters. 16+12+8 access to education services reported that half Assessed settlements in Ulang and Nasir Needed for agricultural work 16% 28% Early marriage or pregnancy or more of boys attended school while only counties continued to report some IDPs living 43% reported half or more of girls attended No school supplies 12% 8% Menstruation in the open without any shelter. school. The primary reported obstacles to girls’ Area is too dangerous 8% 8% Needed for agricultural work Finally, education access remained low attendance across UNS were increasingly 8+8+28 across assessed UNS counties in this entwined with protection challenges: 20% and Movement dynamics in southeastern Upper Nile SGBV for women and intra-community conflict quarter. Services were reportedly limited 8% of assessed UNS settelements with half remain less well understood and require further for men. Southeastern UNS reportedly saw due to insecurity in southeastern UNS and or less of girls attending school reported that research. Due to trepidation over security as some cases of conflict resulting in civilian infrastructure degradation in the western bank. their primary barrier was early marriage or well as access to food and services, movement deaths, likely resulting from sustained tensions Gender disparities in access to education – with pregnancy, respectively. was largely evidenced to humanitarian hubs or in the region coupled with seasonal cattle raids, boys attending school more regularly than girls Conclusion urban centres and reportedly as partial families. while looting cases surged in the western bank, – remained a challenge and were increasingly perhaps linked to economic strains during the Food insecurity and limited livelihoods options driven by child protection concerns. In the fourth quarter, UNS saw changed festive season. remained severe challenges across assessed population and food access dynamics which, in UNS counties. Assessed settlements in Access to water and health services likely turn, resulted in increasing humanitarian needs Fashoda and Manyo counties likely saw a declined in assessed UNS settlements with in assessed settlements, particularly those in deterioration in access to food in this quarter the onset of the dry season. Seasonal water Fashoda, Ulang and Nasir counties. due to dry spells and increasingly limited sources likely constricted water availability in Localised insecurity augmented seasonal access to land for cultivation. In Panyikang Fashoda County while conflict reportedly limited small-scale displacement within Nasir and County, reportedly some successful harvests assessed Ulang and Nasir county settlements’ About REACH Ulang counties as well as from Ethiopia to access to preferred water points. Across and expanded markets coupled with increased REACH facilitates the development Maiwut, Longochuk and Ulang counties. Water access to humanitarian assistance may assessed settlement of the western bank, of information tools and products that shortage coupled with declining access to food have contributed to a slight, if short-term, dependence on water from the Nile coupled enhance the capacity of aid actors to make induced some displacement from and within improvement in FSL. Food security in assessed with poor hygiene and sanitation practices evidence-based decisions in emergency, Fashoda County. Some former IDP populations settlements of southeastern UNS was likely may increase propensity for a waterborne recovery and development contexts. All also returned to Panyikang County in order to largely dependent on humanitarian assistance, disease outbreak. Likely linked to limited WASH REACH activities are conducted through access markets and to cultivate. Finally, this access to which may have been limited infrastructure and unimproved water sources, inter-agency aid coordination mechanisms. quarter saw a mix of inflows of households due to some conflict and displacement this the primary reported health problems across For more information, you can write reportedly returning from Sudan and Ethiopia to quarter. Severe coping mechanisms reportedly assessed regions of UNS were malaria and to our in-country office: southsudan@ counties in Upper Nile: along the western bank employed across assessed counties of the waterborne diseases. reach-initiative.org or to our global office: this was mainly driven by poor conditions in state could impede future food security come Across assessed settlements in UNS, the [email protected]. refugee settlements in Sudan, along with family the lean season. majority of host community members lived in reunification intentions and cautious optimism Visit www.reach-initiative.org and Protection concerns across assessed tukuls. In comparison, in southeastern UNS, with regards to potential security improvements. follow us @REACH_info. settlements of UNS still largely centred on IDPs primarily inhabited impermanent structures

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