In a significant move to bolster South Sudan’s peace and development initiatives, the Government of Japan has pledged a generous assistance package totalling USD 14.6 million (JPY 2,000,476,425).
This commitment is part of Japan’s Supplementary Budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024, and it will be implemented in collaboration with international organizations and non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj Wednesday, the Japanese Embassy said the primary focus of this cross-sectoral assistance is to address the pressing humanitarian and security challenges faced by the people of South Sudan, particularly in light of the ongoing Sudan crisis. The funding is aimed at providing emergency support while fostering long-term self-reliant development and economic growth among the South Sudanese population.
Notably, a portion of the allocated funds will be directed towards supporting the implementation of the peace agreement and facilitating the upcoming elections through the Combined Task Force for Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
Tsutsumi Naohiro, the Ambassador of Japan to South Sudan, underscored the origin of the generous contribution, stating, “The source of this USD 14.6 million contribution is the tax collected by the Japanese government from the Japanese people. Therefore, I must ask the organizations implementing projects to use the fund most efficiently and effectively for improving the lives of the South Sudanese people.”
Ambassador Naohiro further emphasized the collaborative nature of this assistance, urging South Sudanese friends to recognize the hard work of Japanese taxpayers who play a crucial role in supporting the self-help efforts aimed at building a safe, prosperous, and democratic South Sudan. The Japanese Embassy anticipates that this financial injection will contribute significantly to the overall well-being and sustainable development of the South Sudanese population.
In a testament to Japan’s dedication to fostering peace, stability, and sustainable development in South Sudan, a series of pivotal projects have been revealed as part of the Supplementary Budget for the fiscal year 2023-2024. Developed in collaboration with diverse international organizations, these initiatives target key areas such as peace support, governance, humanitarian aid, and education.
CTSAMVM: Advancing the peace process in South Sudan [USD 500,000]. This initiative, with an allocation of USD 500,000, is geared towards strengthening the peace process in South Sudan. The project aims to support the endeavours of the Combined Task Force for Monitoring and Verification Mechanism (CTSAMVM).
UNDP: Empowering local governance for lasting peace and election preparedness [USD 600,000]. In collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), this project, funded with USD 600,000, seeks to enhance local governance institutions. The objective is to foster enduring peace and create favourable conditions for upcoming elections.
UNHCR: Vital support for persons of concern in South Sudan [USD 3,200,000]. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) allocates a substantial USD 3,200,000 to provide life-saving assistance, covering health, nutrition, and water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) support for Persons of Concern in South Sudan.
UNFPA: Addressing humanitarian needs of vulnerable populations [USD 591,013]. Directed at addressing emergency and unpredictable humanitarian needs, this initiative, backed by USD 591,013, is a contribution from the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) to assist vulnerable populations in South Sudan.
WFP: Emergency food and nutrition assistance for crisis-affected areas [USD 873,000]. The World Food Programme (WFP) channels USD 873,000 to provide emergency food and nutrition assistance, tackling the critical issue of food insecurity among vulnerable populations in crisis-affected areas of South Sudan.
UNICEF: Urgent response to children’s needs amid Sudan crisis [USD 1,000,941]. With a dedicated fund of USD 1,000,941, UNICEF launched a project responding to the urgent needs of children affected by the sudden onset of the Sudan crisis in South Sudan.
ICRC: Emergency and rehabilitation activities [USD 3,616,000]. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) directs USD 3,616,000 towards emergency and rehabilitation activities, addressing the immediate needs of the South Sudanese population.
UNV: Japanese specialists deployed for water and food insecurity response [USD 647,788]. USD 647,788 is earmarked for the United Nations Volunteers (UNV) program, supporting the UN’s response efforts against water and food insecurity caused by climate change and drought in Sub-Saharan Africa through the deployment of Japanese specialists.
GPE: Initiatives for climate change education [USD 2,418,101]. The Global Partnership for Education (GPE) invests USD 2,418,101 in projects aimed at addressing climate change through education in the Sub-Saharan Africa region.
UNESCO/IICBA: Safe and resilient learning environments in conflict regions [USD 1,155,175]. UNESCO and the International Institute for Capacity Building in Africa (IICBA) allocate USD 1,155,175 to create safe, supportive, and resilient learning environments, safeguarding children’s right to education amid conflict and crises in the Sahel and Central Africa.
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