Pilots from Australia have been playing a crucial role in South Sudan as the United Nations ramps up its peacekeeping and humanitarian operations.

South Sudan is now in its fifth week of unrest.

Fighting broke out mid-December when forces loyal to the former Vice President clashed with the national army.

Instability has now spread to six out of ten states displacing more than 200,000 people.

The Australian Air force has been stepped in to assist the UN response around the country by airlifting tonnes of supplies.

Irene Scott filed this report from the back of a C17 Gobemaster transport aircraft.

Duration: 4'36"