UN relief chief condemns attack on aid workers in South Sudan

August 11, 2022 (JUBA) – The United Nations Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Sara Beysolow Nyanti has strongly condemned the ongoing violence and attacks on civilians and humanitarian personnel in the country.

On August 9, in Ikotos County in Eastern Equatoria State, a clearly marked humanitarian vehicle carrying humanitarian workers was attacked, the UN said.

“During the attack, a South Sudanese humanitarian worker and a local community member were killed, and others injured,” said Nyanti adding, “This tragic and senseless loss of lives is completely unacceptable”.

According to the senior UN official, this is the fifth humanitarian worker killed in South Sudan in 2022 alone, describing it as “unacceptable” loss.

“I am deeply appalled by the continued violence targeting civilians, humanitarians, and their assets. This attack comes at a time when humanitarian access is increasingly challenging, humanitarian space is shrinking and funds for humanitarian action are dwindling,” she stressed.

Nyanti said people’s lives and livelihoods have been shattered by fighting, gender-based violence and climate shocks, adding that people’s needs including for vital life-saving services have significantly increased.

“We humanitarians cannot deliver life-saving support to the most vulnerable including women, children, elderly and the disabled, while we are under attack. Nobody should have to make the ultimate sacrifice while trying to save the lives of others,” she further noted.

The top UN official, however, appealed to on all the armed actors to respect international humanitarian law and immediately cease targeting civilians, women, humanitarian personnel and their assets in South Sudan.

South Sudan is one of the most dangerous places for aid workers since 2013, with 319 violent incidents reported in 2021 targeting humanitarian personnel and assets. In 2021 alone, five aid workers were reportedly killed when carrying out their duties.

(ST)