UN donates $5.4m and two helicopters to support Jonglei state

June 5, 2013 (BOR) – The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has donated $5.4 million and two helicopters to help tens of thousand people affected by conflict in South Sudan’s Jonglei state.

According a June 5, the aim of the donation and the helicopters is to strengthen the emergency medical capacity to treat and evacuate people injured in Jonglei’s tribal clashes, cattle raids and a rebellion led by David Yauyau.

According to the UN humanitarian coordinator in South Sudan, Toby Lanzer, the situation in Jonglei state has deteriorated since hostilities between the South Sudan army and Yauyau’s forces flared up in March.

The UN estimates that 23,000 civilians have fled Jonglei to neighbouring countries as refugees, after being displaced by the violence, leaving most population centres abandoned and health centres looted or destroyed.

“I am deeply concerned about the safety of civilians in Jonglei, many of whom are in urgent need of medical assistance,” said Lanzer.

“This funding will help us to access remote areas and enable us to reach people struck by violence. Aid workers must be able to reach people in need, and I count on all parties to ensure that we can do so.”

(ST)