IOM S. Sudan appeals for $80m to address humanitarian needs

January 4, 2015 (JUBA) – In a bid to support the most vulnerable people in South Sudan, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) is appealing for more than $80 million to provide lifesaving assistance across the world’s youngest nation in the coming years.

Violence, access constraints and food insecurity continue to drive increased needs and displacement. In September, 34 per cent of the population was facing severe food insecurity, a figure 80 per cent higher than it was in 2014.

According to the agency, at least 2.3 million people have fled their homes since the crisis began, including 1.66 million people who remain internally displaced and an additional 647,800 people who have fled to neighbouring countries.

Despite the signing of a peace agreement in August, clashes continue in several parts of the country, including the three most conflict-affected states of Unity, Upper Nile and Jonglei. Fighting in parts of Unity from April to the present has been particularly brutal and marked by violence against civilians.

The crisis has also spread to formerly stable areas, including Central and Western Equatoria states, and inter-communal conflict in Lakes and Warrap states continues to destabilise communities.

“In 2016, humanitarian needs in South Sudan will be greater than in previous years as the conflict continues to force people from their homes, deplete household resources and constrain humanitarian access to many in need,” said IOM’s South Sudan Chief of Mission David Derthick.

“IOM remains committed to helping the most vulnerable while promoting peace-building wherever possible,” he added.

The United Nations estimates that 6.1 million people will need assistance in 2016. Of these, the humanitarian community is targeting 5.1 million people for assistance.

Reportedly developed in line with the UN’s Humanitarian Response Plan, IOM’s 2016 Consolidated Appeal requests USD 80.2 million to provide emergency assistance in response to the ongoing crisis.

The agency further requests additional funding for protection programming to address the growing psychosocial needs of displaced and conflict-affected individuals, as well as for transition and recovery and migration management programming to carry out peace-building and development interventions where conditions allow.

IOM has had an operational presence in South Sudan since 2005, establishing a country office in 2011 following the country’s independence. Immediately after the conflict erupted in December 2013, IOM restructured its activities in response to the emergency.

(ST).