The UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan says he is deeply concerned by “a recent series of bureaucratic impediments and access constraints” that prevented aid groups from reaching hungry and sick people.
This month the government blocked relief workers from accessing needy people outside Yei and also in Wau area. Two aid workers were expelled, 64 times aid workers or aid assets were subjected to violence in some way or another, and 18 times there was “interference” in aid work including in administrative matters.
Eugene Owusu, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan said in a statement, “Humanitarian organizations in South Sudan are striving every day to save lives and alleviate suffering across this country. Yet, they continue to face obstacles and challenges which hamper their efforts. This must stop.”
Owusu added, “I am tremendously proud of the aid workers across this country who are working tirelessly day-in and day-out to help people in need. I call on all parties to allow free, safe and unhindered humanitarian access so that our colleagues can reach and assist people whose lives have been torn apart by this crisis. Regardless of where they are in the country, civilians in need have a right to receive help.”
This statement comes after the government blocked a group of peace monitors from traveling to Yei and after the UN peacekeeping mission reported movements of militia into the Equatoria region to support a military offensive.
File photo: A convoy of UNHCR vehicles in South Sudan