A new country was created in July when South Sudan declared independence and separated from Sudan. The referendum was the outcome of a 2005 peace deal that ended Africa’s longest-running civil war, which claimed an estimated 1.5 million lives.

The divide has not ended problems between the two countries, however, as they disagree on their shared border. In recent months many thousands of people have been forced to flee their homes due to conflict.

Conflict has escalated in recent weeks, and World Vision is concerned about a possible humanitarian emergency if the situation worsens. We are poised with pre-positioned emergency supplies to attend to the needs of children and families who may have to evacuate to camps for internally displaced people.

World Vision is already working in areas of Sudan and South Sudan to help people in need. We have been working in Sudan since 1983 and South Sudan since 1989 with relief, recovery and development programs that seek to promote peace and reconciliation, while improving the lives of children and families. For example, we currently operate emergency feeding programs for children in the Otash camp for internally displaced people.

Our primary concern is the wellbeing and safety of the civilian communities with which we work, particularly the children.

Donate to World Vision’s Emergency Preparedness Fund. You can help children and families cope with the effects of conflict and disaster, and ensure that help reaches where it is most needed.