Original Language
English
Number of Pages
84
Reference Number
ENG0450
Year of Publication
2016

If we leave we are killed

Lessons Learned from South Sudan Protection of Civilian Sites 2014-2015 is a snapshot and analysis of the formulation and administration of protection of civilian sites gathered from interviews of IDPs, stakeholders, partners and decision makers. 

Violence broke out in South Sudan in December 2013, forcing tens of thousands of internally displaced persons (IDPs) to seek protection at UN peacekeeping bases, leading to an unprecedented situation for both the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations and humanitarian agencies. Due to the scale of violence of the crisis, the desperate and immediate needs in the newly termed protection of civilian (PoC) sites have been overwhelming and required considerable flexibility to save lives and mitigate the impacts of the conflict. 

The PoC sites have been a considerable achievement for UNMISS, which is protecting more than 200,000 IDPs on a daily basis. Despite the success of the PoC sites as a protection mechanism, much debate has arisen over their sustainability and the resources they demand from the mission. This unique situation has led to considerable differences between stakeholders that function under very different systems and mandates. Significant challenges in the coordination of the response, both between humanitarian agencies and with UNMISS, and the need to define the differing roles and responsibilities have necessitated the establishment of guidelines and synchronized mechanisms to facilitate effective processes.

  • Acronyms
  • Foreword by Special Rapporteur on the Human Rights of Internally Displaced Persons
  • Executive Summary
  • Recommendations
  • Methodology
  • Objective
  • Background
  • History of Civilians Fleeing to UNMISS Bases
  • Beginning of Crisis
    • Evacuation
    • Opening the Gates
    • Response
    • Coordination
    • Frustrations
    • Resources and Responsibilities
  • UNMISS and the PoC Sites
    • Mandate
    • Protection of Civilians Mandate
    • Targeting of UNMISS
  • Managing the Response
    • Leadership
    • Humanitarian Coordination
    • An Environment of Unpredictable Conflict and Evolving Dynamics
    • Rainy Season/Dry Season in South Sudan and the Season of Fighting in Unity State
  • Complications Facing PoC Sites
    • Rule of Law
    • Camp Leadership Structures
    • Challenges of Neutrality, Demobilization and Reintegration
    • Space Issues
  • PoC Exit Strategies
    • Relocation to UN House PoC Site and Closure of Tongping
    • Closure of UN House PoC Site for Foreign National
    • The Peace Agreement
  • Conclusion
  • Annex
    • Annex I: Mutual agreement on engagement with the IDPs after incident affecting humanitarian workers in the PoC sites
    • Annex II: Mutual agreement on engagement of humanitarians and the IDPs
    • Annex III: Responsibilities in UNMISS POC Sites for Planning and Budgetary Purposes
  • Bibliography