International Community Urges Aid Workers’ Safety In South Sudan

By John Agok 

The UK Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs is calling on government at all levels in South Sudan to tackle violence and hold accountable perpetrators against what he described as “man-made” humanitarian crisis. 

The Envoy said the violence against the Humanitarian workers in South Sudan was unacceptable, as looting reports and destruction of humanitarian assistances have continued to be reported in the past few months. 

“It is essential that the government of South Sudan holds perpetrators of violence accountable and ensure the safety and security of all aid workers and assets across the Country,” said Nick Dyer, the UK Special Envoy for Famine Prevention and Humanitarian Affairs in a press conference on Thursday in Juba.  

Dyer also called on government at all levels to work together in resolving violence and ensure that, assistance can be provided to meet the needs of the most vulnerable without threats or hindrances. 

“Government should reaffirm its commitment in resolving violence across the country,”

The United Kingdom appreciated WFP, UNICEF World Vision, GESS, HPF and their partners for work in South Sudan. 

Helen Lewis, the Development Director revealed that, there is need for government to improve stability in the country, so that development partners can deliver services to vulnerable people.

Lewis acknowledged the efforts of humanitarian community especially Non-governmental organizations despite dangers in losing their lives. 

“We really want to see the government efforts in restoring stability so that, development partners can shift from humanitarian assistance to development sector”, she said.

The Humanitarian officials made their remarks in a press conference after returning from two day visit in Warrap state, as he assessed the humanitarian situation in the area. 

The visiting team also met the First President Dr. Riak Machar, Mama Nyandeng De Mabior, the Vice President in charge of Youth, Gender and Humanitarian cluster to engage them on political development.