South Sudan humanitarian chief recognises courage of aid workers

August 19, 2013 (JUBA) – South Sudan’s Humanitarian Coordinator, Toby Lanzer, has in a message meant to coincide with World Humanitarian Day praised the courage of aid workers and called for them to be allowed to access those in need.

The World Humanitarian Day which was globally celebrated on Monday was designated in 2003 by the United Nations General Assembly to coincide with the anniversary of the bombing of the United Nations Headquarters in Baghdad, Iraq.

In a message on the day, Lanzer recognised the courage of aid workers and the difficult conditions under which they work.

‘‘As Humanitarian Coordinator the spirit and courage of the aid workers in the deep field is an inspiration to me’,’ Lanzer said in a statement adding that ‘‘Aid workers must be allowed to carry out their work for the benefit of communities unhindered and in safety.’’

The day provides an ‘‘opportunity for all to re-commit to the values that underpin humanitarianism”, he further said.

The UN says South Sudan is one of the largest operations in the world with 17,000 aid workers engaged in work across the country providing assistance in the ten states.

The global body says its goal this year is to provide assistance to 3 million South Sudanese with life saving assistance many of them in the volatile Jonglei State.

(ST)