Concern for civilians during South Sudan’s transition
Southern Sudan prepares for its independence on July 9 while uncertainties remain for more than 70,000 people that have fled the Abyei region following heavy fighting between the North’s Sudan Armed Forces and Sudan People’s Liberation Army of the South. 
The fighting started six months after a referendum was held in January, in which the people of South Sudan overwhelmingly voted for independence.
Military clashes in the area have included attacks on United Nations (UN) peacekeepers.
Children
“As always in situations where families are displaced, it is the children who are the most vulnerable and often suffer the most,” said Edwin Asante, programme director for WV South Sudan.
“It is World Vision’s hope that the fighting can be swiftly brought to an end and that humanitarian aid can be provided to children and their families who have lost their homes,” he added.
UN
World Vision has been asked by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) to coordinate humanitarian efforts in the Warrap region, which is located just south of Abyei.
World Vision South Sudan is working with other humanitarian agencies to distribute non-food items, such as mosquito nets, plastic sheets and blankets in the town of Kuajok, where thousands of displaced people from the Abyei region have arrived with virtually no possessions.
Civilians
"We are concerned about the safety of civilians, especially children, who become extremely vulnerable during displacement,” Mr Asante explained. “Violence and displacement will have a traumatic impact on these children, some of whom may have been separated from their families."
World Vision has operated in North Sudan since 1983 and in South Sudan since 1989, and operates a number of relief, recovery and development programmes that seek to promote peace and reconciliation, while improving the lives of children and their families.