UN humanitarian chief visiting South Sudan

February 6, 2014 (JUBA) – The United Nations humanitarian coordinator, Valerie Amos, will visit South Sudan from 6 to 9 February, the world body announced on Thursday.

Amos will be accompanied during the three-day visit by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) special envoy for peace and reconciliation, Forest Whitaker.

“They will assess the humanitarian situation faced by people affected by the conflict and highlight the urgent need for peace and stability,” reads a UN statement.

The two UN officials will meet communities affected by the crisis, senior government officials and humanitarian partners, to discuss ways of improving humanitarian operation in South Sudan.

Both Amos and Whitaker are also expected to participate in an event organised by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UNOCHA) and the East African regional bloc (IGAD) on South Sudan in the Kenyan capital, Nairobi on 9 February.

Violence in South Sudan has killed thousands and displaced nearly two million people, leaving an estimated seven million at risk of famine, aid agencies say.

(ST)