This 15-page report highlights a recent surge in ethnic violence and the failure of the government of Southern Sudan and the United Nations Mission in Sudan (UNMIS) to protect civilians. In March and April 2009, armed civilians from the Lou Nuer and Murle ethnic groups in Southern Sudan's Jonglei state killed an estimated 1,000 men, women, and children, and abducted about 150 women and children in vicious attacks and counter-attacks. Government officials knew the conflict was brewing but did not take steps to prevent it or protect civilians, nor did the UN mission address the impending violence, said Human Rights Watch.