UN humanitarian chief mobilises support for S. Sudan

September 15, 2013 (JUBA) – The United Nations humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan has embarked on a tour to draw world attention to the humanitarian challenges in the new nation.

“The mission aims to draw attention to the humanitarian challenges in South Sudan and mobilize support for humanitarian action in the country”, a statement from his office, said.

Lanzer, it added, will also discuss long-term development prospects for the world’s newest nation.

Two years after its independence, South Sudan still has lots of hurdles to overcome, with the UN estimating at least four million people to be food insecure.

Also, persistent floods from heavy rains in most parts of the country, have displaced thousands, compounding the already existing humanitarian challenges in the country.

Last week, President Salva Kiir announced an allocation of at least seven million South Sudanese Pounds (around $4 million) to address humanitarian challenges facing flood victims in the country.

A recent assessment report shows that over 37,000 households in the country have been affected by the recent floods, with Jonglei, Upper Nile, Unity and Warrap states said to be worst-hit.

The country is also grappling with thousands of people displaced by the conflict in its largest state of Jonglei, which has lately been a scene of inter-communal violence and rebel attacks.

Violence, the UN says, could displace over 200,000 South Sudanese this year.

(ST)