“South Sudan remains one of the most dangerous places for aid workers”, says OCHA
August 18, 2024 (JUBA) – 24 aid workers have been attacked in South Sudan this year, making the country one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian workers, the UN said.
Access constraints across the country, the UN humanitarian agency (UNOCHA) said, hamper efforts to deliver urgent, life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable populations.
“Between January and July, 267 humanitarian access incidents were reported, with 135 incidents involving direct violence against humanitarian personnel and assets, including 28 incidents of looting and theft,” partly noted a statement from the agency.
Escalating insecurity has forced 15 humanitarian staff to relocate from their operational areas, it added.
“On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.
“Their unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and delivering assistance to those in need cannot be overstated,,” she added.
The UN also warned about the humanitarian and economic outlook in a country facing the effect of conflict in neighbouring Sudan 780,000 refugees and internally displaced people; uncertainty in the face of critical
In 2024, 9 million people or about three-quarters of South Sudan’s population are projected to require humanitarian and protection assistance, the UN says.
2 million people reportedly remain displaced due to decades of conflict, intercommunal violence and extreme effects and events of climate change, such as flooding and dry spells.
Approximately 7.1 million people or 56.3 per cent of the total population are projected to face crisis-level or more severe food insecurity in 2024.
Also, only 31.5 % of the $1.8 billion meant to assist 6 million people has reportedly been funded.
“Without a safe space for aid workers, we risk failing the millions who depend on it,” emphasized Gbeho.
She added, “With South Sudan on the brink of severe flooding and thousands of returnees arriving from Sudan, the need for safe access to deliver vital aid is critical”,
Meanwhile the humanitarian community urged all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of humanitarian workers in South Sudan adding “Their ability to operate without fear is crucial to ensuring life-saving assistance reaches those in need.”
(ST)