The Turkish Red Crescent has distributed meat to 600 Sudanese refugees seeking shelter in South Sudan on the auspicious occasion of Eid Al-Adha, also known as the Feast of Sacrifice.
The distribution took place at the compound of the UN Refugee Agency, witnessed by South Sudan Refugee Affairs in Juba on Wednesday, ensuring transparency and collaboration among various organizations involved.
During the handover ceremony in Juba, Erdem Mutaf, the Turkish Ambassador to South Sudan, announced that a total of 1,500 to 2,000 cows would be slaughtered in Juba and Wau as part of the Eid Al-Adha celebrations.
“Today, we are providing meat to 600 refugee families in Juba. The Turkish Red Crescent is also distributing hundreds of portions of meat to South Sudanese individuals in different parts of Juba today and over the next two days, in collaboration with South Sudanese organizations,” stated Ambassador Mutaf.
He further disclosed that Turkish NGOs would soon arrive in South Sudan from Turkiye to perform animal sacrifices and distribute meat to families across the country on the occasion of the Feast of Sacrifice.
Expressing gratitude on behalf of the UN Refugee Agency, Juliette Murekeyison, Deputy Representative, extended her heartfelt thanks to the Turkish Agency for its generous support to Sudanese refugees in South Sudan. She highlighted the ongoing collaboration between Turkey and the UNHCR, which includes providing scholarships to refugees, allowing them to pursue education in Turkiye.
“I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Türkiye, not only for today’s support but also for their ongoing partnership with UNHCR. They have provided scholarships to refugees from this camp, enabling them to study in Turkiye. These students are currently pursuing their education and will soon return to make significant contributions to their communities,” said Juliette.
She emphasized that Turkiye has consistently shown support for refugees in the country, illustrating a strong commitment to humanitarian assistance.
Eid Al-Adha, a significant Muslim holiday, commemorates the willingness of the Prophet Ibrahim (Abraham) to sacrifice his son in obedience to God’s command, which was ultimately replaced by a divine ram. As part of the holiday tradition, the sacrificed meat is distributed among those in need, reflecting the spirit of compassion and sharing.