U.S embassy honours aid workers in South Sudan
August 20, 2024 (JUBA)- The United States embassy in South Sudan has honoured over 20 aid workers who lost their lives in Africa’s youngest nation over the past year.
The embassy, on World Humanitarian Day, also honored all humanitarian workers who sacrificed their lives to help those affected by crises around the universe.
“Here, in Juba, we recognize in particular the 20 humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in South Sudan over this past year. We express our support for the dedicated humanitarian workers, both South Sudanese and foreign, who despite significant challenges continue their noble work of providing life-saving assistance in this country,” partly reads the embassy’s statement issued on Monday.
The embassy urged government to reduce the costs and risks of delivering assistance in South Sudan and ensure safe humanitarian access to those in need.
Approximately 9 million people in South Sudan currently require humanitarian assistance, the embassy said, adding that it had so far provided more than $508 million this year and remains the largest provider of relief assistance in the country.
Meanwhile 24 aid workers have been attacked in South Sudan this year, making the country one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian workers, the United Nations said.
Escalating insecurity 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.
Approximately 7.1 million people 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,” noted 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)