‘Access constraints’ leave South Sudan wounded without care, ICRC says

JUBA – Significant restrictions on humanitarian movement in South Sudan are preventing life-saving treatment for people wounded in recent clashes, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) said on Friday, warning that aid workers are being blocked from reaching the frontlines of renewed violence.

The alert follows a sharp escalation in armed conflict that intensified in late 2025 and continued into early 2026, destabilizing large swathes of the country. The fighting has been particularly severe in Jonglei, Eastern Equatoria, and Central Equatoria states, regions where difficult terrain and fragile security arrangements are now compounding the humanitarian crisis.

Daniel Bunnskog, head of the ICRC delegation in South Sudan, said the inability of medical convoys to navigate these areas safely is having immediate, fatal consequences for combat casualties who require urgent surgical intervention.

“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,” Bunnskog said in a statement.

“We urge the parties to the conflict to ensure the swift and unrestricted delivery of humanitarian aid to civilians and those injured by weapons, and to respect and protect humanitarian personnel engaged in impartial activities,” he added.

The humanitarian organization emphasized that medical teams are facing “significant challenges” in reaching the most affected communities.

Without security guarantees from the warring parties, neutral aid groups cannot evacuate the wounded or resupply local health facilities that are often the only source of care in remote areas.

In its appeal, the ICRC reminded combatants that International Humanitarian Law (IHL) imposes a strict obligation to distinguish between military targets and civilian objects. The agency stressed that the obstruction of medical care violates these fundamental rules of war.

“Civilians must never be the object of attack. The wounded, sick, and those detained in relation to the conflict must be respected and protected in all circumstances, receiving medical care without delay and without discrimination,” Bunnskog stated.

“Medical personnel, facilities, and transports must be respected and protected in accordance with international humanitarian law (IHL),” I said.

The ICRC confirmed it is currently engaged in bilateral dialogue with various parties to the conflict to address the deterioration in the humanitarian situation and to demand safe access for its teams.

The organization, which operates under a mandate from the Geneva Conventions to provide neutral, impartial, and independent support, said it continues to aid those affected by the violence despite the deteriorating security environment.