Perspective

South Sudan has some of the worst humanitarian statistics in the world. One hundred and fifty children in every thousand die during childbirth; one in four children dies before the age of five; only two per cent of children complete primary school - the lowest rate in the world.

How to help:

Genocide Intervention Fund

and

Darfur: A Genocide We Can Stop

and

International Rescue Comittee

"Massive amounts of money are needed, but the way this money is given is also critical,” said Sorcha O’Callaghan, spokesperson for the group. “A balance should be struck between immediately rewarding the north-south peace agreement, and placing conditions on long-term funding so that it promotes peace, including in Darfur."

The situation has become more difficult for many people in South Sudan since the end of the conflict, the agencies said. Hundreds of thousands of displaced people are beginning to return home to places which lack food and basic services.

In South Sudan today, education rates are the worst in the world. With a population of more than six million, only 500 girls complete primary school each year. In West Sudan, more than two million people are displaced by the continuing war in Darfur.

Why do I mention this?

As was pointed out on Metafilter, 11 years ago this week, the Rwandan Genocide began. It didn't end until almost a million Rwandans, mostly Tutsis, were dead.

When I think to myself that I'm struggling through a day, that life is difficult, huge, much needed perspective is given by looking at the struggle to live through another day millions face every time they wake up.