UN says additional $145 million needed to help refugees in Ethiopia and South Sudan

February 12, 2012 (LONDON) – The UN says that it needs an additional $145 million to assist Sudanese refugees in South Sudan and Ethiopia fleeing conflict in Blue Nile and South Kordofan states.

Since June 2011 there has heavy fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-North (SPLM-N) after controversial elections and failure to fully implement part of the 2005 peace agreement.

In August Blue Nile state – another SPLM-N stronghold – also became embroiled in the conflict as the SPLM-N was deposed by the military.

UNHCR anticipates arrivals to continue over the next months as fighting continues and with a deteriorating humanitarian situation.

In 2012 forced migration out of the two war zones has exceeded expectations with 30,000 refugees already registered.

The extra $145 million UNHCR is was seeking is on top of the $269.1 million already budgeted for its work in Ethiopia and South Sudan.

UNHCR spokesperson Adrian Edwards said in Geneva on Friday that ‘in addition to urgent relocation from volatile border areas, UNHCR’s emergency response included the provision of basic relief items and services, registration and child protection.’

South Sudan Food Aid

In 2012 nearly five million South Sudanese are expected to struggle to feed there families, the World Food Programme said Friday.

Over a million South Sudanese will be severely food insecure as a result of poor harvests rising food and fuel prices, conflict and displacement, Gaëlle Sévenier said.

More than one in three South Sudanese may require food assistance this year but WFP is already facing a funding shortfall of $160 million.

(ST)