Rising from the depths: water security and fragility in South Sudan

This report elevates water security as an issue critical for national development and stability not just as humanitarian need. With a focus on water security for people, production, and protection, the report shows that water insecurity is an existential threat to South Sudan. One in two South Sudanese live in areas exposed to moderate flood hazard the country ranks seventh in the world for share of population exposed to river floods. Lack of access to safe drinking water supply and sanitation is also a core concern: more than 60 percent of the population use unimproved sources and 75 percent practice open defecation. Women and girls tend to be disproportionately impacted by these water-related threats. The report illustrates the negative implications of these challenges on health and nutrition, forced displacement, gender and conflict. Yet, the challenges of water in South Sudan are also an opportunity. The report shows that South Sudan can harness the ubiquity of water as a tool to advance national development and stability.