PC SSD Gokjak protection situation - April 2023

The conflict in Jonglei state that erupted in December 2022 and escalated in early 2023, has displaced an estimated 20,000 people to Malakal town, Canal/Pigi, Baliet, and Ulang counties due to fear of loss of lives and reports of abductions. The conflict mainly transpired in the Northern Jonglei counties of Akobo, Nyirol, and Uror where civilians fleeing the areas are visibly traumatized due to unconfirmed reports of deaths, injuries, extortion, looting and heavy damage of public and private infrastructures, and conflicted-related sexual violence. GBV incidents and family separations have been widespread and the number of unaccompanied or separated children is on the rise.

Gokjak is a spontaneous site in Mareng Payam (Piji/Canal County, Jonglei state). The site is located along the Sobat River and is approximately one and a half-hour boat drive from Malakal town. The IDPs started fleeing to the site in December 2022 and according to the RRC and community leaders, there is a total population of 2,123HH (roughly 16,884 individuals).