Situation Overview: Upper State, South January - March 2019

Map 1: Assessment coverage in UNS in refugee returns, from 56% to 72%. Introduction METHODOLOGY January (A), February (B) and March 2019 (C) In the first quarter of 2019, State The population movements seen in the first To provide an overview of the situation in hard- (UNS) saw population inflows from neighbouring quarter may exacerbate the high food security to-reach areas of Upper Nile State (UNS), A B and livelihoods (FSL) needs across UNS. REACH uses primary data from key informants Sudan and combined with localised Manyo insecurity in parts of the state. Data on needs Poor rains and a shortened growing season who have recently arrived from, recently visited, in the last quarter of 20181 combined with high or receive regular information from a settlement in UNS is required to inform the humanitarian Renk market prices2 in the first quarter has resulted or “Area of Knowledge” (AoK). Information for response. However, information gaps exist this report was collected from key informants in due to different regional dynamics and limited in the proportion of assessed western bank settlements reporting adequate access to food PoC site in Upper Nile State in January, access throughout much of the state. Melut February and March 2019. falling from 29% in December to just 17% in Maban To inform humanitarian actors working outside Malakal Fashoda March. As a result, many settlements reported In-depth interviews on humanitarian needs were conducted throughout the month using formal settlement sites, REACH has conducted Panyikang Baliet relying on displacement camps or other coping a structured survey tool. After data collection assessments of hard-to-reach areas in South strategies to meet their needs. 0 - 4.9% Longochuk was completed, all data was aggregated at Sudan since December 2015. Data is collected 5 - 10% Luakpiny/ In addition, protection concerns persisted, settlement level, and settlements were assigned on a monthly basis through interviews with 11 - 20% Maiwut Nasir the modal or most credible response. When no 21 - 50% Ulang largely centred on SGBV for women and intra- key informants with knowledge of a settlement consensus could be found for a settlement, that and triangulated with focus group discussions 51 - 100% C communal violence for men across assessed Assessed settlement settlement was not included in reporting. (FGDs). This Situation Overview uses this data areas of UNS. Meanwhile, assessed settlements in parts of the western bank reported increased Only counties with interview coverage of at to analyse changes in observed humanitarian often presented across two geographic 3 concerns for the forced recruitment of boys and least 5% of all settlements in a given month needs across UNS in the first quarter of 2019. zones in UNS: the western bank (Panyikang, were included in analysis. Due to access and intra-communal violence for men in quarter one. Primary data was triangulated with secondary Malakal, Fashoda and Manyo counties) and operational constraints, the specific settlements information and past REACH assessments. southeastern UNS (Nasir and Ulang counties). Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) assessed within each county each month vary. In order to reduce the likelihood that variations The REACH team consistently covered needs remained high, particularly in western Key Findings in data are attributable to coverage differences, Panyikang, Malakal, Fashoda, Manyo, Ulang bank counties, with 81% of those assessed Internal displacement continued in UNS settlements in March reporting their main over time analyses were only conducted for and Nasir counties from January to March 4 throughout the quarter, with a large majority source of water to be rivers. Likewise, only 19% counties with at least 70% consistent payam of 2019 (Map 1). Information by sector is coverage over the period. of assessed settlements reporting the current of assessed settlements reported residents Quantitative findings were triangulated with # of key informant interviews conducted: 408 presence of IDPs in March (80%). The used latrines, which has increased the risk of FGDs and secondary sources. # of assessed settlements: 188 proportion of assessed settlements reporting waterborne diseases. Of assessed western IDP returns increased, from 50% in December, bank settlements in March, 26% reported a More details of the methodology can be found # of counties covered: 6 (of 12) in the AoK ToRs. to 77% in March; as did the proportion reporting waterborne disease as the most common # of focus group discussions conducted: 8

1. According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, January 2019. 2. DRC, Tonga Rapid Assessment Report, February 2019 and primary reports from key informants interviews 3. 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. 4. Payams are the administrative unit at the sub-county level in . cause of death. monitoring in Renk Town tracks population in December, with a peak of an average of 41 first quarter, from 45% in December, to 75% by flows between and through Renk and Sudan individuals per day recorded entering South March. Of those settlements reporting refugee The most commonly reported health problem (primarily from and Sudan. This corresponded to an increase returns, in March 53% reported the most recent across assessed UNS settlements was malaria region refugee camps)6. Data from this activity in the proportion of assessed western bank arrivals had arrived in the last three months, as (42% in March), corresponding with poor suggests an increase in inflows via Renk town settlements reporting refugee returns over the compared with 12% in December. shelter conditions and a lack of mosquito nets. Of assessed settlements in southeastern UNS Map 2: Movement into, out of, and within UNS, January-March 2019 However, inbound movements through Renk with IDPs, 76% reported some IDPs sleeping in Town in the first quarter of persons intended to the open and 28% reported mosquito nets as eee eee en stay for more than six months then continued, I en the most needed Non-Food Items (NFIs). een albeit at a declining rate, with an average of 21 per day in February7 (compared with 41 in On the other hand, the proportion of assessed en een n n Manyo !enk December). Population movements were likely settlements across UNS reporting access to e n ! reduced by political unrest in Sudan beginning education increased from 25% in December, Inenn n Wadekona in late 2018 and the formal closure of the border to 43% in March. This may be due to increased ! n ! eeen enk crossing in mid-March, with inflows expected mobility discussed in the next section. Ô en n e to resume at higher levels should movement 8 Population Movement and Ô eee restrictions loosen in coming months. Displacement e n n Many of the return movements from Sudan aka ! appeared to be largely driven by high In the first quarter of 2019, relatively improved ! humanitarian needs in the refugee camps. security following localised confidence-building Akurwa ! Paloch Return movements to the area around Kaka measures5 between armed actors across parts Melut Aburoc in from refugee camps in White of UNS, coupled with seasonal road passability ! Nile and South Kordofan regions of Sudan were during the dry season, contributed to enabling !Maban Malakal Fashoda!odok Maban reportedly pushed by the deterioration of living an apparent continuation of population Lul ! conditions inside the camps including food Wau Shilluk movements seen at the end of 2018 (Map 2). ! Upper Nile 9 Pariang Panyikang security and protection concerns . Similary, In addition, cross-border movement appeared onga ÆÔ Malakal ! Dor returnees to Tonga from the South Kordofan ! ! Baliet to be driven by an array of push and pull factors New Fangak ! Udir! Diel region reported increasingly poor conditions in as outlined in subsequent sections. ! Chotbora Fangak CanalPigi Longochuk h refugee camps including an acute lack of food Self-reported refugee returns from Sudan 10 !! Mathiang and shelter as major reasons for their return. oat Inflows to South Sudan through Renk town Movement continued from the White Nile and Nasir ! Jonglei Manding ! Maiwut in February primarily reported lack of shelter South Kordofan regions of Sudan toward Ulang ! Maiwut ! Nyirol Nasser Mandeng (33%), distance from family members (26%), central UNS and the western Bank in this ! ! and lack of health services (13%) as push quarter. Of western Bank settlements assessed Burebiey Jekow factors for leaving Sudan.11 in March, 47% reported refugee returns in the Ô ambella previous three months. REACH port and road Akobo The same inflows primarily reported Malakal

5. Reported by humanitarian partners, December 2018. 8. Reported by Humanitarian Partners, April 2019. 11. REACH, Port and Road Monitoring: Renk, February 2019. 2 6. REACH, Port and Road Monitoring: Renk, February 2019. 9. ICWG, Assessment Report: Kaka and Akurwa, Manyo County. February 2019. 7. Idem. Numbers are indicative only and do not capture all movements as not 10. DRC, Tonga Rapid Assessment Report, February 2019. all entry points into Renk are monitored systematically,’ Map 3: Proportion of assessed settlements reported new arrivals as the main reason February through July 2019, indicating very Map 4: Proportion of assessed settlements reporting the arrival of IDP or refugee returns in people could not access enough food. high levels of food insecurity.15 At the same reporting arrival of IDPs in the last 3 months: the previous three months in: time, Ulang and Nasir counties were projected January (A), February (B) and March 2019 (C) Further, inflows from Sudan in the first quarter January (A), February (B) and March 2019 (C) Phase 4 from May to July, with Longochuk remained primarily partial families, with County projected Phase 3.12 B A B respondents reporting that they anticipated A evaluating security and service conditions over Many people returning to Longochuk County the first quarter before making the decision about were reportedly arriving at their destinations whether to bring the rest of their families.13 In without food.16 Moreover, assessments by Manyo and Panyikang counties, the increased humanitarian partners in the first quarter in presence of different armed actors reportedly Maiwut and Nasir counties report that food dissuaded movement to some areas.14 assistance was a primary need, and therefore Self-reported returns to Southeastern UNS reliance of returnees on host community support 1 - 20% is putting considerable strain on the already 0% C C 20 41 - 60% Beginning in December 2018, and despite limited resources of these communities. 1 - 20% localised insecurity in in that 21 - 40% 61 - 80% Internal Movements month, southeastern UNS saw spontaneous 41 - 60% 81 - 100% returns from neighbouring Ethiopia into Ulang, Meanwhile, Mathiang town also saw Insufficient data Insufficient data Nasir, Maiwut and Longochuk counties. increasing IDP returns from Nasir, other Assessments by humanitarian partners15 and parts of Longochuk, Melut, Malakal PoC site 16 16 of a surge in IDP return movements across PoC site (51%) as well as Renk, Melut and primary data collected in the first quarter and Maban. The majority of IDP returnees 17 the western bank in the period of December Fashoda counties as their final destinations, confirmed initial reports suggesting the inflow reportedly began arriving to Longochuk to January, reportedly motivated in part by with the largest shares reporting their principle was partly driven by insecurity in refugee County in February, once travel routes had camps in the Gambella region and challenges finally dried and therefore became more easily improved market access and intentions to motivations being the perceived availability of 22 16 cultivate. However, movement to eastern food (33%) and family reunification (31%).11 accessing food there, with most returnees passable. These former IDPs have reportedly reportedly moving back to their places of origin. returned to their settlements of origin, with Panyikang County reportedly remained limited Of particular concern to the vulnerability of 22 many motivated by deteriorating conditions due to concerns over possible land disputes. returning populations is that as of January, The main entry points for returns from Ethiopia and community relations21 in their sites of Fashoda and Panyikang counties were already were identified as Burebiey (for Nasir County), According to primary data, both Panyikang displacement and perceptions of improved food classified in IPC Phase 4 (‘Emergency’), with Jekow, and Pagak (for ).18 A County in the western bank and populations in Phase 5 (‘Catasrophe’) in access in Mathiang Town due to recent market in southeastern UNS experienced IDP arrivals smaller share of returns to Greater Longochuk 16 12 expansion. Panyikang. While no assessed settlement in came from Sudan, reportedly motivated by in the first quarter. In March, of assessed the western bank reported new arrivals as a perceptions of improved security and access to According to primary data for the whole of the settlements in Panyikang County, 54% reported barrier to food access in the fourth quarter of markets in Mathiang town.16 western bank, 53% of settlements assessed the arrival or IDPs in the previous 3 months, 2018, by March proportions of those assessed in March reported IDP returns in the previous with the most recent arrivals reportedly coming Of concern to the vulnerability of returning settlements in (13%), Manyo three months. Overall, reporting from assessed from Fashoda County (36%), Fangak County populations is that of January, Maiwut County County (30%), and (60%) settlements was consistent with FGD reports in (18%), and other areas of was projected to be in IPC Phase 4 from Panyikang County (18%).

11. REACH, Port and Road Monitoring: Renk, February 2019. REACH in Mathiang town, March 2019. 20.OCHA, Detailed Report from IRNA to Mandeng, Nasir County, March 2019 3 12. IPC, South Sudan Key Messages, January 2019. 17. ECHO Daily Flash, Ethiopia -Inter-communal fighting in South Sudanese refugee 21. UNHCR, Melut Mission Report, February 2019; According to IDP returnee FGD 13. According to returnee FGD participants interviewed by REACH, Dec. 2018. camps, 21 January 2019. participants interviewed by REACH in Longochuk county, March 2019 14. DRC, Kaka Rapid Assessment Report, January 2019. 18. IOM Displacement Tracking Matrix, Event Tracking: Influx from Gambella to 22. According to FGD participants interviewed in Malakal PoC site, Dec. 2018. 15. OCHA, Detailed Report from IRNA to Mandeng, Nasir County, March 2019. multiple locations in the vicinity of Maiwut and Nasir, February 2019. 16. According to host and refugee returnee FGD participants interviewed by 19. IPC, Acute Food Insecurity & Malnutrition Analysis for Jan-July, Feb. 2019. While the fourth quarter of 2018 saw UNS, several counties were projected by IPC Map 5: Proportion of assessed settlements proportions, the reasons were the stopping of displacement in Ulang and Nasir counties to be classified in Phase 4 ‘Emergency’ for reporting inadequate access to food in: food distributions (67%) and unsafe access associated with some insecurity in Nasir County the period of April and May, including parts of January (A), February (B) and March 2019 (C) to land (33%). These reports show relience in late December,23 primary data suggested that the western bank (Panyikang, Fashoda, and on humanitarian assistance likely attributable displacement from these counties abated in the Manyo counties), and southeastern UNS (Nasir to years of conflict disrupting agriculture. IDP first quarter. Of assessed settlement in March, and Longochuk counties).24 A B returns may have further limited access to food only 5% of those in Nasir County reported IDP in some settlements, as throughout the first The largest shares of all assessed UNS arrivals in the preceding 3 months, while 38% quarter, all assessed settlements in Ulang and settlements with inadequate access to food in Ulang County reported the arrival of IDPs Nasir counties reporting IDP returns or arrivals attributed their hunger to: high prices (16%), in that timeframe, with most (60%) of those in the previous three months reported that this unsafe access to land (14%) and the stopping coming from Nyirol County in Jonglei State. had a small impact on access to food. of food distributions (10%), though the reasons Situation in for reliance on food aid varied by region. Likely as a result of the limited access to food, 1 - 20% a high proportion of assessed settlements in Southeastern UNS (Ulang & Nasir counties) C Assessed Settlements 41 - 60% UNS reported severe food consumption and Access to food in assessed counties of 61 - 80% Food security and livelihoods (FSL) 81 - 100% livelihood coping strategies. In March, the southeastern UNS was higher and more Despite harvests in the previous quarter, food Insufficient data stable than in the western bank, though this Map 6: Proportion of assessed settlements insecurity and limited livelihoods opportunities may reflect the impact of humanitarian food reporting having received food assistance in remained challenges across assessed UNS assistance programmes. More than half (52%) over the first quarter. the last 3 months in: counties in the first quarter of 2019. Primary of assessed settlements in Ulang and Nasir January (A), February (B) and March 2019 (C) Improved access to food was likely, in part, data suggested stable, but partly assistance- counties reported adequate access to food in attributable to food assistance (Figure 1). By reliant, access to food in Ulang and Nasir March, with these figures remaining consistent counties, some deterioration in access to food March, 73% of assessed Ulang and Nasir A B in Fashoda and Manyo counties and continually Figure 1: Proportion of assessed SE UNS County settlements reported accessing food limited access to food in Panyikang County as settlements reporting adequate access to assistance in the last three months, the highest well as a possibile early-onset lean season food, March 2019 of assessed UNS counties outside of Malakal Adequate access to food County (also 73% in March). However, all across the western bank. Adequate access and had not accessed assessed settlements with adequate access to to food Across all assessed UNS settlements, 36% food assistance in the last food also reported receiving food assistance in 3 months reported sufficient access to food in March, the last three months and no settlement without comparable to 42% in December. The severity assistance reported adequate access to food. of hunger may have been relatively stable as C no assessed UNS settlements with inadequate The primary reasons reported by assessed access to food reported that hunger was settlements in Ulang with inadequate access to the worst it could be any time in this quarter. food in March were that it was unsafe to access 5252% 48+A Yes 0100 0% +A Corresponding to these findings of low access land (62%) and the stopping of food distributions to food across many of the assessed areas of 48% No 100% (38%). Similarly for Nasir County but in different

23. REACH, Situational Overview, Upper Nile State, October - December 2018. 4 24. IPC, Food Security Outlook Update. April 2019. proportion of assessed settlements reporting Figure 2: Proportion of assessed settlements reporting food sources and coping strategies in cultivation as the main source of food spiked that households ate less than three meals per Fashoda and Manyo counties in January (69% of assessed settlements), day (20%) was the highest across assessed after which the reported main sources of 4 hee n e UNS counties. In March, assessed Ulang and e hn food diversified for February and March, Nasir counties had the highest proportion of with the predominant sources reported being assessed settlements reporting severe coping e n e food assistance (45%) and fishing (20%). mechanisms during times of hunger including eeen n e Of assessed settlements in Malakal which going days without eating (43%), only children reported inadequate access to food in March, 4 n n e eating (43%), begging for food (46%, up from the most commonly cited reason was that it 14% over the fourth quarter), sending family e n e was unsafe to access land (26%). members to displacement camps (46%, up settlements reporting adequate access to food onset lean season in Manyo and Fashoda. This In Panyikang County, the primary source from 17% over the fourth quarter), and selling remained similar between January (18%) and may have been exacerbated by reportedly of food reported by assessed settlements more livestock than usual (100%). These March (24%), though there was a considerable high rates of livestock disease outbreaks in shifted from predominantly markets (73%) in figures were similar to those reported over improvement in February (37% for Fashoda Fashoda County rising from 29% of assessed December to cultivation (38%), fishing (31%), the fourth quarter of 2018, with the exception and 92% for Malakal County). Such variation in settlements reporting in December to 83% in and livestock (15%) in March. Similarly, and in of family members begging and being sent access to food may have been attributable to March. line with cultivation as the main source of food to displacement camps (both 46% in March, differences in food assistance coverage. in Panyikang over the same period, lack of rain compared with 19% and 0% in December). During lean season, normally running from as the main reported factor grew from 25% of Such severe coping mechanisms may further Across settlements assessed in the western May to August after most households’ own assessed Panyikang County settlements with limit future food security independent of bank in March, the largest reported barrier to crops have been consumed, western bank inadequate access to food in January to 46% humanitarian assistance by reducing assets accessing food were high market prices (42%, populations rely on dairy and other animal and eroding resilience. up from 22% in December), in contrast to products, so selling more cattle than usual in the poor rains and growing season reported in the first quarter may reduce households’ ability to Figure 3: Proportion of assessed settlements Western bank (Panyikang, Malakal, Fashoda previous quarter (amid secondary reports of a adopt coping mechanisms further into the lean reporting severe coping mechanisms, and Manyo counties) Panyikang County poor harvest in southern Manyo County as a season.26 Moreover, for Fashoda and Manyo Access to food varied across the western bank result of poor rains).25 (and to a lesser extent Panyikang) where large in the first quarter: demonstrating signs of proportions of assessed settlements reported Skipping In January, assessed settlements in Fashoda Sending family Eating deterioration in Fashoda and Manyo counties, markets as a principle source of food and Eating <2 meals and Manyo counties reported the main to cattle campsmeals meals per day wild food consistently very low access in Panyikang high prices as a barrier (lack of access due source of food transitioned from cultivation Dec-18 0% 7% 20% 80% County and continued reliance on food to reportedly high prices rose from 41% of (97% of assessed settlements at its peak in assistance in Malakal County. The proportion assessed settlements with inadequate access December) to markets (65%), livestock (22%), 5% 15% 25% 95% of assessed settlements reporting adequate to food in December to 52% in March), prices Jan-19 and food assistance (13%) by March (Fig. 2). access to food in Panyikang was consistently are expected to rise in coming months due to Furthermore, reports over the first quarter of very low, reported by just 4% of assessed logistical constraints brought by the onset of the Feb-19 6% 24% 31% 63% slaughtering and selling more livestock than settlements in March. In Fashoda and rainy season.27 usual, a shift towards markets, and a decrease Malakal counties, the proportion of assessed Mar-19 38% 58% 54% 54% in cattle ownership may be indicative of an early Meanwhile, reports from Malakal County of

25. ICWG, Assessment Report: Kaka and Akurwa, Manyo County. February 2019. According to FGD participants 5 interviewed in Malakal PoC site, January 2019. 26. FEWSNET, Livelihoods Zone Map and Descriptions for the Republic of South Sudan (Updated). August 2018. 27. ICWG, Assessment Report: Kaka and Akurwa, Manyo County. February 2019; DRC, Tonga Rapid Assessment Report, February, 2019. by March, while reports of high prices grew majorly reporting sexual and domestic violence and Nasir counties in March, 73% of those in Figure 5: Proportion of assessed settlements from 5% to 25% over this period, reflective of and family separation for women, and both Ulang reported that the majority of people did reporting forced recruitment as the primary poor harvests and a subsequent shift towards intra30 and inter-communal violence and cattle not feel safe, while the same was reported by protection concern for boys (under 18 years) markets as a source of food. raids for men (Figure 4). The proportion of 46% in Nasir. Further, likely corresponding assessed settlements reporting sexual violence with the continued displacement, a large Malakal Meanwhile, consumption-based coping Panyikang Fashoda Manyo as the main protection concern fell over the first share (74%) of assessed settlements in Ulang mechanisms were increasingy reportedly over quarter (15% in March as compared with 29% in and Nasir counties reported the presence of Dec-18 60% 7% 0% 0% this period including reducing the number of December). Over the same period, the increase unaccompanied minors in March. meals, skipping meals, and sending family in reported intra-communal violence reported Jan-19 5% 0% 23% 67% members to cattle camps (Figure 3). While Western bank (Panyikang, Malakal, Fashoda as the main protection concern for men in the reported consumption of wild foods increased and Manyo counties) fourth quarter (28% of assessed settlements in Feb-19 0% 0% 26% 17% in the western bank over the first quarter, from December) lessened slightly. In comparison, the proportion of assessed 60% of assessed settlements in January to settlements reporting crime as a protection 88% by March, consumption of wild foods in Southeastern UNS (Ulang and Nasir) Mar-19 0% 23% 33% 40% concern reduced. The spike in the proportion Panyikang County reportedly decreased from Protection concerns in assessed Ulang and of assessed settlements reporting incidents 95% in January to 54% by March, which may Nasir County settlements concentrated on of looting observed in the festive season of boys as a main concern in December, by March indicate the partial exhaustion of this coping inter-communal violence: 43% of assessed quarter four largely subsided in the first quarter, 35% of assessed settlements in these counties strategy. settlements in Ulang and Nasir counties falling to 9% of in March, compared with 26% were reporting it as the major concern. Reports The consistently very high reports of insufficient reported a conflict resulting in the death of at in December. As in the previous quarter, the of forced recruitment as the primary protection food access and reports of increasingly severe least one civilian in March, comparable to 40% proportion of assessed settlements reporting concern rose across western bank counties coping strategies indicate very high FSL needs, in December. Cattle raiding is most common such incidents was higher in Malakal County with the exception of Panyikang, from near- in line with Panyikang’s IPC classification as in the dry season with cattle migrating further than in other areas of the western bank. This zero in December, to 23% for Malakal County, Phase 4 ‘Emergency’ in March (with some from settlements toward grazing areas, which may be attributable to the concentration of the 33% for Fashoda County, and 40% for Manyo populations in Phase 5 as of January).28 may contribute to inter-communal violence. population around Malakal town and PoC site, County by March (Figure 5). Protection Reports of inter-communal violence as the main as well as increased economic pressures on Conversely, the proportion of assessed protection concern for men were particularly its residents to support newly arrived family settlements reporting forced recruitment as Fear of insecurity across assessed areas of high in Ulang County (30% of assessed members from elsewhere in UNS and Sudan.32 the main protection concern for boys (younger UNS continued to drive protection concerns settlements in March versus 7% for Nasir). While no settlement in Fashoda or Manyo than 18 years) in Panyikang County decreased in the first quarter. The proportion of assessed Similarly, of assessed settlements in Ulang counties had reported the forced recruitment of sharply in the first quarter: no assessed UNS settlements reporting most people did settlements reported forced recruitment as the not feel safe most of the time was comparable Figure 4: Most cited protection concerns for men and women (18 years and older) primary protection concern for boys in March, to that in the previous quarter: 45% in March in assessed UNS settlements, March 2019 20+16+14 from 60% in December. versus 44% in December. Inter-communal violence 20% 37% Gender-based violence31 In Manyo and Fashoda counties, the proportion The primary protection concerns in the first Cattle raid 16% 21% Family separation of assessed settlements reporting main quarter demonstrated little change from the third protection concerns associated with violence and fourth quarters,29 with assessed settlements Intra-communal violence30 14% 3% Intra-communal violence 3+21+37 for men (over 18 years) more than doubled

28. IPC, Acute Food Insecurity & Malnutrition Analysis for Jan-July, February 2019. 6 29. REACH, Situational Overview, Upper Nile State, October - December 2018. 30. Intra-communal violence represents the aggregation of two response options: killing or injury from a member of the same tribe and violence between neighbours. 31. Gender-based violence represents the aggregation of two response options: domestic violence and sexual violence 32. According to FGD participants in Malakal PoC site, January 2019. over the first quarter, increasing from 7% for Figure 6: Proportion of assessed UNS settlements reporting any latrine use and hygienic these counties reported measles as their main inter-communcal violence and 14% for intra- handwashing practices in the western bank (WB) and southeastern (SE) UNS health problem. These reports are particularly communal violence in December to 17% and concerning given the ongoing measles 43%, respectively in March. In Fashoda County outbreak.33 in particular, reports from assessed settlements 43 4 3 Shelter and Non-Food Items (NFIs) 3 3 33 of violence from neighbours as the main safety Assessed areas of UNS saw limited change concern for men were up from 9% in December to a consistent 37 to 39% over the first quarter. in shelter and NFI needs between the fourth

This may be reflective of dry season tensions quarter of 2018 and the first quarter of 2019. and at least partially attributable to reported Dec-18 Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Across assessed counties of UNS, IDPs returns to these areas in the previous months n ee n ne nhn h h inhabited less permanent shelters than their and associated competition for resources. host community counterparts. Assessed the latter two waterborne diseases likely largely western bank over the first quarter, from 72% settlements continued to report host community Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) attributable to poor WASH infrastructure and in December, to 85% in March. Meanwhile, members living in tukuls.34 The vast majority and Health practices. reported access to healthcare remained of assessed settlements (85%) reported that stable in Ulang and Nasir counties over the WASH and health indicators demonstrated little In southeastern UNS, the proportion of tukuls were the main shelter type for the host same period (Figure 7). Although the largest change between the fourth and first quarters, assessed settlements reporting access to community in March. In comparison, the largest share (42%) of assessed UNS settlements with WASH needs remaining high. improved water sources was higher though portion (33%) of assessed UNS settlements continued to report malaria or fever as their continually restricted due to insecurity in many with IDPs in March continued to report IDPs In the western bank, access to clean water primary health problem by March (down from assesed settlements. The largest portion living in rakoobas. was consistently the worst of assessed areas 55% in December), waterborne diseases and (46%) of assessed Ulang and Nasir County of UNS, with the largest proportion of assessed malnutrition continued to present challenges IDPs in southeastern UNS reportedly faced settlements continued to report boreholes as settlements reporting sourcing water primarily in parts the state. Over the first quarter, 23% worse shelter conditions than those in the their primary water source in March, slightly from unprotected sources: only 2% of assessed of assessed settlements in the western bank western bank, perhaps reflecting continued down from 58% in December. However, 46% of western bank settlements reported access to reported waterborne diseases as their primary pendular displacement between Ulang and assessed Ulang and Nasir County settlements a functional borehole by March, while most health problem in February, similar to 20% in March reported that people could not access Figure 7: Access to health services in assessed (81%) fetched water primarily from rivers. Low in December. This may reflect continued their preferred water point due to fears of UNS settlements, March 2019 reported access to protected water sources is challenges with accessing water from insecurity, a slight increase from to 33% in especially concerning given reportedly poor unprotected sources, especially in counties Southeastern UNS Western bank December and reflective of protection concerns sanitation practices across the area: with only reporting population growth due to inflows. 19% of assessed western bank settlements outlined in the previous section. Sanitation reported anyone using latrines in March (Figure practices were also better among assessed In addition, in March 22% of assessed 6). In March, the main causes of premature southeastern settlements: where 70% reported settlements in Manyo and Fashoda counties death reported in assessed western bank people using latrines in March, comparable to reported an unspecified skin disease as their 79% in December. primary health problem, while 9% reported 542917+A 85132+A settlements were malaria (reported by 45% 54% Yes 85% chicken pox as their primary concern. The of assessed settlements), typhoid (24%), and The proportion of assessed settlements 29% No 13% previous month, 8% of assessed settlements in 35 cholera or diarrhoea (12%) with transmission of reporting access to healthcare improved in the 17% No consensus 2%

33. MEDAIR, Press Release: Measles outbreak in South Sudan not yet under control. 16 April 2019. 7 34. 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. 35. “No consensus” stands for settlements where multiple key informants were surveyed but no consensus was found for the respective indicator Figure 8: Proportion of assessed UNS three months compared with 68% of those in Protection concerns across assessed settlements with IDPs reporting IDPs living in Ulang and Nasir counties. Across assessed settlements of UNS largely centred on SGBV the open without shelter UNS counties, the largest share of assessed for women and intra-communal conflict for Southeastern UNS Western bank settlements with IDPs reported plastic sheets men, with increased concerns regarding forced (38%), mosquito nets (35%) and buckets (10%) Conclusion recruitment in Fashoda and Manyo counties. 40% 50% 38% as their primary NFI needs by March. In the first quarter of 2019, assessed areas Meanwhile, access to water and health services remained low in assessed UNS settlements 0% 6% 5% Education of UNS saw a continuation of population movement and food access dynamics reported during the dry season. Across assessed 38+40+500+6+5 The proportion of assessed settlements settlements of the western bank, dependence in quarter four of 2018, resulting in continually reporting access to education services in Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 Jan-19 Feb-19 Mar-19 high humanitarian needs in assessed on water from the Nile coupled with poor UNS increased, but remained relatively low settlements, particularly those in Fashoda, hygiene and sanitation practices may increase Nasir counties resulting in more transitional, in the first quarter: Only 45% and 41% of Panyikang, Ulang and Nasir counties. propensity for a waterborne disease outbreak. impermanent shelter accommodations. In assessed western bank and southeastern UNS In southeastern UNS, IDPs primarily inhabited March, half of assessed Ulang and Nasir settlements, respectively, reported access to Continued returns from Sudan to the western impermanent structures while in the western County settlements with IDPs reported their education services in March (up from 19% and bank were driven mainly by poor conditions in bank, the majority were accommodated in semi- living in the open without any form of shelter, 33% in December), with increases likely due refugee settlements in Sudan, along with family permanent shelters. Assessed settlements in in comparison to only 5% of assessed western to improved dry season accessibility and the reunification intentions and cautious optimism Ulang and Nasir counties continued to report bank settlements. However, such reports were return to work of teachers following the harvest with regards to potential security improvements. some IDPs living in the open without any shelter. confined to Malakal County (Figure 8). Fashoda and festive seasons. Movement dynamics in the southeast remain saw an increase in the proportion of assessed less well understood, but returns from Gambella Across assessed areas of UNS, the proportion settlements with IDPs reporting their living in area refugee camps in Ethiopia were at least of assessed settlements without access to About REACH more permanent shelters. Likewise, 80% of partially attributable to insecurity there. education services which reported that schools assessed Panyikang County settlements with REACH facilitates the development had been repurposed rose from 21% in Food insecurity and limited livelihoods options IDPs reported their accommodation primarily of information tools and products that December to 34% in March (with reports from remained severe challenges across assessed in semi-permanent structures in March, an enhance the capacity of aid actors to make settlements in Manyo and Fashoda rising from UNS counties. Assessed settlements in increase from 40% in December. This may evidence-based decisions in emergency, 0% to 43%). This may indicate that returning Fashoda and Manyo counties likely saw a indicate a slowing rate of arrivals to these areas recovery and development contexts. All and displaced populations in some settlements deterioration in access to food in this quarter as arrivals gradually establish themselves in REACH activities are conducted through may be using the schools for shelter. Access due to poor harvests in the previous quarter and more permanent structures, combined with inter-agency aid coordination mechanisms. continued to be especially gendered in the high market prices in the first three months of returns to areas with relative access to shelter. For more information, you can write southeast, where all assessed settlements in the year. Food security in assessed settlements to our in-country office: southsudan@ Access to NFIs distributions across assessed December with access to education services of southeastern UNS was likely largely reliant reach-initiative.org or to our global office: areas of UNS appears greater in the southeast reported that half or more of boys attended on humanitarian assistance. Severe coping [email protected] than in the western bank: by March, with school, while only 43% reported this of girls. For mechanisms reportedly employed across the exception of Malakal County, only 16% more information on education needs, see the assessed counties of the state could impede Visit www.reach-initiative.org and 36 of assessed settlements in UNS reported previous overview. future food security throughout the lean season. follow us @REACH_info. an NFI distribution had occurred in the last

36. REACH, Situational Overview, Upper Nile State, October - December 2018. 8