December 15, 2013, marked the beginning of a civil war opposing government forces loyal to President Salva Kiir, a member of the Dinka ethnic group, to the self-proclaimed official opposition forces loyal to former Vice-President Riek Machar, a Nuer. The conflict has displaced over 1,000,000 people and has claimed the lives of more than 10,000 people.1 Nuer and Dinka civilians are being killed on the sole basis of their ethnic identity, and radio communications are being used to promote ethnic violence, thus raising concerns of genocide. While leaders have agreed on the terms of a ceasefire, its implementation has thus far been a failure. Meanwhile, the humanitarian situation—which already affects more than half of the population—is expected to deteriorate during the ongoing rainy season. Immediate action is needed to protect civilians, implement the ceasefire agreement, and improve aid delivery.

A Briefing Note on the Crisis in South Sudan