The UN aid chief said security forces and state authorities are interfering with humanitarian relief activities and asked protection for aid workers operating in Southern Sudan.
UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Valerie Amos told the press yesterday that humanitarian agencies reported 118 incidents of interference with aid delivery since February pointing the finger at the security forces and state authorities.Ms. Amos said the security of humanitarian staff was key to carry out aid programmes during the critical referendum process.
Shea added that the continuous presence of Ugandan rebels in South Sudan brought fear and hampered food production.
Ms. Amos noted that food security improved in South Sudan after the good rain season.
The UN aid chief is in a six-day mission to Sudan that will bring her to Darfur and Khartoum.
In Juba, she met GoSS President of Southern Sudan, Salva Kiir Mayardit, other government officials, donor representatives, UN and non-governmental organization officials.