Urgent Need for Medical Access in South Sudan as Weapon-Wounded Patients Struggle to Receive Care
Amid escalating armed conflict in several regions of South Sudan, including Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and Central Equatoria states, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has issued a stark warning about the critical situation facing wounded civilians. Medical teams are unable to reach those in need due to ongoing access restrictions, putting countless lives at risk.
”Ongoing access constraints in certain areas of South Sudan mean that the ICRC cannot reach several weapon-wounded patients in need of life-saving medical care,” said Daniel Bunnskog, head of the ICRC delegation in South Sudan. He urged all parties involved in the conflict to allow “the rapid and unimpeded passage of humanitarian aid to civilians in need and those wounded by weapons,” emphasizing the importance of respecting humanitarian personnel and facilities.
Bunnskog called on conflicting parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law (IHL), stressing, “Civilians must never be the object of attack. The wounded, sick, and detained in relation to the conflict must be respected and protected at all times, and they must receive medical care without delay or discrimination.” He added, “Medical personnel, facilities, and transports must be respected and protected in accordance with IHL.”
The ICRC continues to engage in dialogue with parties to the conflict to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure safe access for aid teams. “We are committed to providing neutral, impartial, and independent humanitarian support to those affected by the violence,” Bunnskog affirmed.
The organization reiterated its call for all parties to respect their legal obligations under international humanitarian law—particularly the need to distinguish between civilians and combatants, and between civilian objects and military targets.
The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) is a neutral, impartial, and independent organization mandated by the Geneva Conventions of 1949. It works worldwide to protect the lives, dignity, and well-being of people affected by armed conflict and violence, often in partnership with local Red Cross and Red Crescent societies.
