S. Sudan: aid agencies demand $1.27 bn to save lives, alleviate suffering

February 4, 2014 (JUBA) – Aid agencies in South Sudan urgently require $1.27 billion to assist 3.2 million people suffering the humanitarian consequences of weeks of violence in the country.

Toby Lanzer, the United Nations humanitarian coordinator for South Sudan said the crisis response plan has been revised to reflect the deterioration of the humanitarian situation as well as prioritise frontline relief and pre-positioning.

“The priority is to save lives now, and ensure that we have food, medicine and other lifesaving supplies prepositioned in the field, in easy reach of aid agencies before the rains hit and the roads become impassable,” said Lanzer.

Almost 900,000 people, the UN says, have been displaced since violence broke out in the country’s capital, Juba in mid-December last year. Thousands have also been killed in what is regarded as the country’s worst-ever outbreak of violence since its independence in 2011.

Despite the violence, however, several key aid agencies have stayed in South Sudan to protect civilians and deliver aid under difficult circumstances. Also underway is reportedly a plan to provide emergency relief, uphold people’s rights and strengthen livelihoods.

The UN and its partners, however, say they require $1.27 billion to meet the most urgent needs until June, including vital pre-positioning of aid supplies for the whole year before the rainy seasons.

“To achieve this, I ask the international donor community to stand with the people of South Sudan and the aid agencies working here to help them before the situation gets even worse,” Lanzer said.

CONSOLIDATED APPEAL

At least $1.1bn, the world body said last year, would be needed in 2014 to enable aid agencies save lives and strengthen resilience across South Sudan. As of 31 October, 2013, however, $755 million had reportedly been mobilized towards the Consolidated Appeal (CAP) projects, which covered 70% of identified needs.

(ST)