Aid agencies seek $1.8m to support vulnerable South Sudanese

November 28, 2023 (JUBA) – Humanitarian agencies in South Sudan on Tuesday launched the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, seeking $1.8 billion to support 6 million out of 9 million people in the country projected to be in need of humanitarian assistance in 2024.

The acting humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, Marie-Helene Verney said the funds are needed for 6 million vulnerable people with shock-driven needs, such as those impacted by negative climate effects, conflict, and disease outbreaks where they require life-saving assistance.

“We will work to support people’s progress to being self-reliant so that they no longer have to depend on humanitarian assistance. Sadly, for most people, we expect multiple shocks, including the negative impact of climate change, which will continue to drive acute needs next year,” she said.

The UN said people’s needs have decreased in some areas, where conflict and violence lessened, and agricultural production increased, stressing that the majority of people across the country remain in challenging circumstances.

According to the world body, due to less funding in 2024, humanitarian agencies will prioritize assistance to support communities with the most acute needs.

South Sudan’s humanitarian appeal for 2023 is underfunded at 53.8% as of November 22, Verney said, adding that timely and sufficient funding is required to ensure that people’s most acute needs are met.

“As we continue to operate on the front lines in highly dangerous conditions to help people move from surviving to thriving, we need attacks on civilians and humanitarians to stop,” she stressed.

An estimated 7.1 million people will continue to be in food insecurity situations during the lean season from April to July, according to the Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) survey.

(ST)