South Sudan: Refugees Flee As Violence Escalates

Hundreds of civilians in South Sudan, the world's newest state, are believed to have died as fighting continues between government forces and rebels.

The official toll is 500 dead, although the real figure is believed to be far higher, aid workers say.

"There are credible reports of grave abuses committed against civilians in different parts of the country, including killings," the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said in its latest situation report.

Hundreds of thousands more people are believed have fled to the countryside, leading to warnings of an imminent humanitarian disaster.

A displaced woman lies on her belongings

Tens of thousands of civilians have sought protection at badly overstretched UN bases.

At least 20,000 are sheltering at two bases in the capital, Juba, and another 17,000 in the rebel-held town of Bor, capital of the precarious eastern Jonglei state.

Thousands more are at the UN base in Bentiu, capital of the oil-producing Unity state - also in rebel hands - the UN added, while "sporadic fighting" has been reported in Upper Nile, another oil-rich district.

"The estimated number of people displaced in the current crisis in South Sudan has risen to 81,000," the UN report said.

South Sudan is the world's newest nation

"Given the limited access to civilians outside population centres, the number is likely to be significantly higher."                 

The town of Bor, around 200km (125 miles) north of Juba, is an area of special concern, with the army saying it is preparing to launch an assault to recapture the town which it lost last Wednesday.

"In Bor, the situation for the 17,000 people sheltering at the base is challenging, the lack of food and shelter is becoming urgent," the UN warned, adding there had been "large-scale looting of humanitarian compounds and civilian property" in the town.

UN soldiers on guard to protect the displaced people

"The situation in Jonglei deteriorated further, with reported clashes between different armed factions south of Bor ... the base is being reinforced with additional protective barriers, including the area hosting the displaced civilians," it added.

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has warned warring factions that reports of crimes against humanity will be investigated and asked the Security Council to vote to almost double the size of the UN mission in the country.

Fighting started more than a week ago when President Salva Kiir accused former deputy Riek Machar of attempting a coup.

Mr Machar has denied the claim and has in turn accused Mr Kiir of carrying out a vicious purge of his rivals.

The country has been blighted by ethnic divisions, corruption and poverty since it won independence in 2011.

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