Conflict-affected people receiving relief assistance from the ICRC. |File Photo|.
South Sudan remains one of the most perilous environments for humanitarian workers in 2024, with 24 attacks on aid workers recorded so far this year, according to the United Nations Office for Humanitarian Coordination (UNOCHA).
Access constraints across the country hamper efforts to deliver urgent, life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable populations, OCHA said.
Between January and July, 267 humanitarian access incidents were reported, with 135 incidents involving direct violence against humanitarian personnel and assets, including 28 incidents of looting and theft.
Escalating insecurity has forced 15 humanitarian staff to relocate from their operational areas.
“On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan in a statement extended to Golden Times.
“Their unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and delivering assistance to those in need cannot be overstated.”
A perfect storm is gathering in South Sudan regarding its humanitarian and economic outlook, Gbeho said.
“This is reflected by a protracted humanitarian crisis founded on chronic food insecurity; a spillover of the Sudan conflict into South Sudan, resulting in the movement of over 780,000 refugees and internally displaced people; uncertainty in the face of critical political events necessary for a successful transition; a rapidly deteriorating economy; and projected record levels of flooding set to peak in September,” she added in a statement.
In 2024, 9 million people – three-quarters of South Sudan’s population – are projected to require humanitarian and protection assistance.
Two million people remain displaced due to decades of conflict, intercommunal violence, and extreme effects and events of climate change, such as flooding and dry spells.
Approximately 7.1 million people or 56.3 per cent of the total population are projected to face crisis-level or more severe food insecurity in 2024. Yet, the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which seeks to assist 6 million people with an appeal of US$1.8 billion, remains underfunded at 31.5 percent.
“Without a safe space for aid workers, we risk failing the millions who depend on it,” emphasized Ms. Gbeho.
“With South Sudan on the brink of severe flooding and thousands of returnees arriving from Sudan, the need for safe access to deliver vital aid is critical,” concluded the Humanitarian Coordinator.
On World Humanitarian Day, the humanitarian community calls on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of humanitarian workers in South Sudan.
Their ability to operate without fear is crucial to ensuring life-saving assistance reaches those in need.
