UN deputy humanitarian chief to visit S. Sudan

November 17, 2014 (JUBA) – The UN deputy humanitarian chief Kyung-Wha Kang will undertake a three-day visit to visit South to draw attention to the humanitarian effects of its current crisis and to mobilise support to scale up and expand critical aid operations.

Between 19-21 November, she is expected to meet with communities affected by the crisis in different parts of the country, senior government officials and humanitarian partners.

“She will discuss ways of improving access to those in need and strengthening protection of civilians and aid workers,” the world body said.

Over 1.9 million people, the UN says, have been displaced, including some 473,000 who have fled to neighbouring countries as result of 11-months of conflict in the young nation. Violence, hunger and disease continue to threaten millions of people across the country as aid agencies warned of a looming famine early next year.

Kang, who also doubles a the UN deputy emergency relief coordinator, will hold a press conference in the capital, Juba at the end of her three-day visit.

(ST)