An appeal for US$1.72 billion to provide critical and life-saving assistance to 6 million people affected by conflict, displacement, hunger and a deteriorating economy was launched by the humanitarian community in South Sudan.
The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan Alain Noudéhou said, “There is growing need for humanitarian assistance with displacement, food insecurity, malnutrition, violence and economic decline taking a toll on the health, safety and livelihoods of people in need. Today, we are calling for US$1.72 billion to continue providing life-saving assistance and protection for 6 million people most in need in South Sudan.”
About 4 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including nearly 1.9 million people who have been internally displaced and about 2.1 million who have fled as refugees to neighbouring countries since the conflict began in December 2013.
Rates of hunger and malnutrition have risen due to the continuos conflict and the food security partners report the risk of famine as significant for thousands of people in multiple areas, if early actions are not taken.
According to nutrition surveys, approximately half of all South Sudanese children under five, experience acute malnutrition. Despite these challenges, the humanitarian operation in South Sudan continues to provide aid assistance to millions of people in need across the country. As of the end of November, aid organizations had reached more than 5 million people with assistance and protection since the beginning of the year.
Deputy Special Representative in South Sudan Mr. Noudéhou said, “With our collective and coordinated efforts, we will be able to effectively provide much needed assistance to the people in need. Children will remain in school. Many more will survive diseases. Livelihoods and hope will be restored. There is so much at stake.”
While thanking South Sudan’s donors, who contributed to cover over 70 per cent of the plan for 2017, Mr. Noudéhou also instigated all stakeholders to play their roles in alleviating the suffering of the people of South Sudan, highlighting the enormity of the challenge and the collective efforts for a rigorous prioritization to ensure the effectiveness of the response.
One hundred and sixty-seven aid organizations including 95 national Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), 61 international NGOs and 11 United Nations entities aim to implement projects under the 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan.