A forum of non-governmental organizations (NGOs) in South Sudan has lauded President Salva Kiir’s call on citizens to refrain from hate speeches and xenophobic utterances against service providers from different countries and organisations.
In a televised speech last week, Kiir warned the nation against making xenophobic remarks against foreigners in the wake of the novel coronavirus in the country. The president’s comments came after South Sudan had seen an increase in hate speeches against foreign nationals on social media.
In a statement extended to Radio Tamazuj, the NGO Forum said it is strongly encouraged by the statement calling for respect and solidarity among all people, including South Sudan’s humanitarian community.
“The South Sudan NGO Forum further welcomes the High Level Task Force’s and Civil Society Forum’s statements cautioning citizens against xenophobia and affirming the need for international solidarity against a virus that spares no gender, ethnicity, religion or nationality. If we are to prevent the spread and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission, we must work together and unite in a common goal,” partly reads the statement.
According to the NGO group, successfully fighting COVID-19 in South Sudan will require, where possible, that people are willing to be tested without fear of being stigmatised or discriminated against.
“South Sudan NGO Forum and its members remain committed to the people of South Sudan and are working to prevent the spread and reduce the risk of COVID-19 transmission,” stressed the statement.
The forum urged everyone to wash hands frequently and thoroughly with soap and water, stay 1-2 meters away from anyone coughing or sneezing, avoid touching eyes, nose and mouth, always cough or sneeze into a bent elbow, remain home if they feel sick and Dial 6666 if concerned about their health or for family members.
South Sudan NGO Forum comprises 116 INGOs and 263 NNGOs providing assistance to the people of South Sudan. It provides a platform through which NGOs, the government of South Sudan, the United Nations, donors and other external stakeholders can exchange information and share expertise.