Humanitarian Taskforce to be formed to support vulnerable IDPs W. Equatoria

By Richard Ruati

January 21, 2009 (JUBA) — Efforts in seeking and bringing humanitarian support to the IDPs in Western Equatoria State continue as the governor, Jemma Nunu Kumba, continues to discharge her responsibility to protect the rights and serve the needs of the internally displaced persons in the state.

Speaking after her brief meeting with the chairperson of South Sudan Relief and Rehabilitation Commission in Juba, governor Jemma said that, “SSRRC will convene urgent humanitarian crisis meeting with major INGOs and UN agencies in Juba, to help combat the serious humanitarian which is engulfing the state of Western Equatoria.”

Kumba added that, “the agencies will provide extensive assistance to all internally displaced persons. The SSRRC will also facilitate to the best possible extent the work of international and domestic humanitarian organizations engaged in assisting the IDPs.”

WES IDPs are as the result of the ongoing attacks by the malicious LRA rebels from neighboring Uganda.

She furthermore added that, “in addition the WES Government will in the near future adopt a state based framework for relief and rehabilitation guiding principles on Internal Displacement. Its objectives are to help strengthen Government’s capacity to ensure that the basic needs of people affected by the conflict are met, to build productive livelihoods, and to facilitate timely flow of assistance routines.”

In his part the chairperson of SSRRC Simon Kun Ruoch, said that, “he is following and monitoring the humanitarian situation in WES,” he added that, the situation in WES is worrisome to his office, and he realized the LRA conflict in WES has consequently impacted the people of WES badly.

Kun stressed that, “WFP will have to deliver a quick food aid IDPs in WES.” The number of refugees and IDPs in WES is nearing 20,000.
Three days ago the state governor of WES launched humanitarian appeal for Humanitarian Assistance for thousands of Displace Persons who have fallen victim of LRA atrocities in Western Equatoria State, Southern Sudan.

The triumphs of IDP came as a result of the recent LRA attacks in WES following the joint military operations on self proclaimed prophet Joseph Kony and his barbaric men.

(ST)