UN humanitarian chief calls for end to South Sudan conflict

July 24, 2015 (JUBA) – The United Nations emergency relief coordinator, Stephen O’Brien, has called on all parties involved in the South Sudanese conflict to lay down their arms and commit to sustainable peace so as to end the rapidly spiralling humanitarian crisis.

He said this at the end of his four-day visit to the country where he met humanitarian partners, government officials, the diplomatic community and visited communities affected by the conflict in Juba and South Sudan’s oil-rich Unity State.

“I am deeply shocked by what I have seen. Innocent civilians are bearing the brunt of this brutal war,” said O’Brien, also the UN undersecretary general for humanitarian affairs.

“Families have endured horrendous atrocities – including killing, abduction, and the recruitment of children into armed groups. Women and girls have been beaten, raped and set on fire. Entire communities have lost their homes and their livelihoods. Many people are starving, living in swamps or in bushes, hiding in fear of their lives,” he added.

The described as “senseless” the cycle of violence, saying it must be brought to a halt.

The UN humanitarian chief further called on the leaders of the warring factions in South Sudan to take responsibility for their own actions and for those who act in their name.

“I call on the leadership of South Sudan to listen to their people and lay down their arms, to stop the violence, reconcile their differences and commit to peace,” stressed O’Brien.

According to the UN, the humanitarian consequences of the conflict in South Sudan are grave. At least 4.6 million people are reportedly food insecure. Nearly two million people have been displaced inside South Sudan and 600,000 have fled to neighbouring nations.

“Humanitarian needs are higher now than ever and we cannot wait to respond, to do even more than brave humanitarians are already delivering. I appeal to the international community to act now to avert an even greater humanitarian tragedy in South Sudan,” said O’Brien.

Meanwhile, the UN says the South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2015 is currently only 42 per cent funded, leaving a gap of nearly $1 billion dollars to be filled.

(ST).