The United Nations (UN) Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan on Thursday appealed for joint action to address the current aid crisis in the country and called for an end to attacks against civilians and humanitarian workers, reported The UN News. The appeal was made on the eve of World Humanitarian Day.
“It takes a village to raise a child. In the same way, it takes an array of partners to support crisis-affected people,” said Sara Beysolow Nyanti.
The UN official called out for urgent collective efforts to help the vulnerable population in South Sudan. He also commended the work of aid workers, communities, local authorities and first responders for providing life-saving assistance to thousands of people in dire humanitarian need. She said she would like to honor the humanitarians, especially women, who work tirelessly on the frontlines in most difficult environment, trying to reach thousands of crisis-affected people.
According to data, South Sudan is considered as the most violent country in context for aid workers, followed by Afghanistan and Syria. Five humanitarian workers have lost their lives there in the line of duty since the beginning of the year.
The continuing armed violence, bureaucratic impediments, and targeted violence have affected aid workers- mostly national humanitarian workers- working in South Sudan.
At least 232 incidents related to humanitarian access constraints were reported between 1 January to 30 July, with the highest reported in Jonglei and Central Equatoria, which account for 40 percent of all reported incidents.
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator said impunity is a perpetuating factor and a driver of conflict and insecurity. She said there is an urgent need to bring perpetrators to justice and strengthen joint action, multidimensional dialogue, and engagement to address the issue.
“All armed factions must immediately cease targeting civilians, humanitarian personnel and their assets,” she said adding that, “Impunity must end.”
