A Christmas to remember

A touching conversation with a displaced woman who wants to remember the last Christmas.

Nyajier Kuon, the displaced woman from Bentiu wearing the Santa Claus hat that was given by her daughter. © Albert Gonzalez Farran – AFP

In Bentiu, in northern South Sudan, there is the largest displaced camp in the country. There, 120,000 people live after fleeing a civil war that is still going on. And for so many people, so many stories.

As Mrs. Nuakier Kuong, a grandmother who fled attacks on their home and took refuge in the camp two years ago. Under a blazing sun, and 40 degrees, Mrs. Nuakier is seen walking with a hat of Santa Claus.

– Madam, don’t you feel hot with this hat?

– I don’t want to take it off.

– Why?

– My daughter gave it to me last Christmas. She lives in Juba and I hardly ever see her.

– ?

– Wearing it helps me to remember her all the time.

The lives of the displaced are overwhelmed by the magnitude of the tragedy. There are so many people suffering in South Sudan, that is difficult to remember (and find) that there is a touching story behind each one.