Almost all South Sudanese children arriving at Northern Uganda's refugee settlements need 'psychological first aid', the international children's charity World Vision has warned. They also suggest that up to 60 per cent require specialist therapy to overcome the effects of the disorders caused by conflict.
Most of the children arriving at the refugee settlements have experienced traumatic events, including witnessing murders and violence.
Henry Makiwa from World Vision visited the camps and said that the crisis is "really massive".
In an interview with Premier he said: "The children themselves, are very young and we are seeing that children between the ages of five months and up to ten years already are scarred by the spread of violence."
However, despite what he saw, he remained optimistic saying: "When you hear these stories of violent war and abuse but also within that you also hear stories of humanity, hope and divine providence."
In response to the crisis World Vision UK launched the #BearsOnStairs campaign to raise awareness of the brutal psychological cost of war of South Sudan's children. The campaign will culminate with 700 teddy bears being placed on the steps of London's St Paul's Cathedral on 27 July, representing the number of children arriving in Uganda weekly.