The Anuak are traditionally from the Ethiopian lowlands near the border with South Sudan. Over the years, they have been marginalized and persecuted. The organization Genocide Watch has placed massacres of Anuak on the list of their genocides around the world. The Anuak in these photos fled to South Sudan from Ethiopia in the last 1-2 years. They were originally in a refugee camp near the border with Ethiopia, but were not safe even across the border. UNHCR moved them closer to Juba, the capital of South Sudan. I visited the camp recently as the organization I work for is seeking funding to provide additional support to this refugee community.
These refugees arrived within the week that I was there. They are grouped into one of eight giant tents where they will stay for a short time while constructing their houses. Each of the eight temporary dwelling tents has a shared, communal cooking area, such as the one pictured here.
Portrait of an Anuak baby girl. Probably just about one year old as she was just learning to walk.
The Anuak are skilled at traditional crafts. These beads are made for girls to wear around their waist.
The beads are supposed to be worn by girls of an age to be married, which was a concern to see this young girl wearing the beads on her waist.
