US announces $86 million for additional aide to South Sudan

April 28, 2016 (WASHINGTON) – United States (US) government has announced additional humanitarian assistance of $86 million to help conflict-affected people in South Sudan, as well as South Sudanese refugees in the region.

This new funding, announced on Wednesday, it said will provide much-needed “safe drinking water, emergency health care, nutrition services, shelter, improved sanitation facilities, agricultural training, and seeds, tools, and fishing supplies for the most vulnerable families and communities.”

It added the funding include internally displaced persons both within and outside of UN Protection of Civilians sites, refugees seeking asylum in South Sudan, and South Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries.

“The U.S. Government is also supporting clinical and psychological treatment for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as the transport of life-saving supplies and aid workers to ensure that people who are living in remote and hard-to-reach areas quickly receive assistance,” it reminded in a statement extended to Sudan Tribune.

Although U.S. said it had provided $1.5 billion since violent conflict began in December 2013, it blamed the warring parties for lack of access to the vulnerable populations.

“For more than two years, the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance has been seriously disrupted by the denial of movement and access perpetrated by all parties to the conflict,” it charged.

“As we anticipate the quick formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity and a renewed commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement, the United States expects a fundamental shift in the relationship with the humanitarian community.”

Specifically, it said, the U.S. government expected the transitional government to adhere to core humanitarian principles and to change past policy and practice to ensure aid reaches those in need without regard to ethnic or political discrimination.

“We furthermore expect the transitional government to take action to prevent the extortion, theft, and physical harm of aid workers. Leaders must also allow full freedom of movement for all civilians,” the statement said.

This new assistance, the statement pointed out, underscored the long-standing commitment of the American people to the people of South Sudan.

The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to South Sudan.

This additional funding raises the total of U.S. humanitarian aid to nearly $1.6 billion since the start of the current conflict in December 2013.

(ST)