ICRC expands humanitarian assistance to conflict-affected communities in South Sudan
Credit: ICRC
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) provided emergency health care, protection services, food, water and other assistance to conflict- and displacement-affected communities across South Sudan during the first half of 2026.
Working mainly with the South Sudan Red Cross, the ICRC focused on treating war-wounded people, restoring family links, protecting civilians, improving detention conditions and managing the dead with dignity.
The ICRC visited 5,212 detainees in 13 facilities and facilitated 9,667 family calls. It improved water, sanitation and hygiene for 2,479 detainees and supported the release or transfer of 13 people.
Family-link services also enabled 10,678 calls, including 3,085 involving people affected by the conflict in Sudan. The ICRC and South Sudan Red Cross documented 184 missing-person cases and clarified the fate or whereabouts of 188 people.
ICRC-supported facilities performed 3,134 surgical operations on 598 weapon-wounded people and provided 11,921 physiotherapy sessions to 955 patients. Mobile health units conducted 28,340 consultations, while 20,926 children were vaccinated.
Physical rehabilitation services reached more than 27,048 people, including 1,784 people supported through Ministry of Gender, Child and Social Welfare programmes.
The ICRC provided assistance related to sexual violence, including referrals, direct support and training for community leaders, health workers, police and armed forces.
Food security and livelihoods programmes reached more than 168,755 people with food, cash, livestock treatment, fishing equipment, agricultural inputs and household items. Water and sanitation programmes benefited more than 90,410 people.
More than 24,132 returnees and refugees affected by the conflict in Sudan also received assistance, including food, cash, agricultural and household support.
The ICRC continued promoting international humanitarian law and supported the South Sudan Red Cross with preparedness, training and relief distributions. It also strengthened community engagement, reaching more than 600 people through consultations and correcting 194 registration errors.
The organization said its response focused on meeting urgent needs, protecting civilians, restoring family connections and improving access to essential services in communities affected by conflict and displacement.
