27 aid workers killed in S. Sudan conflict: UN envoy

July 25, 2014 (JUBA) – At least 27 aid workers have been killed in since the start of the South Sudanese conflict, Stephen O’Brien, the United Nations humanitarian chief said.

The top UN humanitarian official, who completed a four-day visit to the young nation, expressed shock at the way aid workers were being treated.

He, however, said the South Sudanese government vowed that to fully support investigations into the death of aid workers.

O’Brien, also the UN emergency relief coordinator, called on all parties involved in the conflict to lay down their arms and commit to sustainable peace to end the rapidly spiraling humanitarian crisis.

“I am deeply shocked by what I have seen. Innocent civilians are bearing the brunt of this brutal war,” he told reporters in the capital, Juba.

“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.

The South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan for 2015 is reportedly only 42 per cent funded, leaving a gap of nearly $1 billion yet to be fulfilled.

(ST).