Millions of South Sudanese displaced by the ongoing conflict are in urgent need of humanitarian aid, UN refugees’ agency or UNHCR Regional Coordinator for South Sudan tells Vatican.
Arnauld Akodjenou says he told Pope Francis that if nothing is done, South Sudan, risks becoming the worst humanitarian disaster in Africa, Vatican Radio reports.
The coordinator explains to Vatican that over one million refugees are in Uganda; 800,000 in Sudan; 400,000 in Ethiopia; 120,000 in Kenya; close to 100,000 in DR Congo and to 3,000 in Central African Republic.
The refugees are living in very difficult conditions that are far from international standards as they lack food, shelter, water, healthcare and education, he notes.
Akodjenou says more than 85 percent are women and 63 percent are children in camps within and abroad.
Pope Francis expressed his concern and calls for more international solidarity for South Sudan, according to the UNHCR Coordinator.
He says the Pope continues to pray for peace in the country and that it is very important for the people.
Akodjenou discloses that he appealed for Vatican diplomacy to continue to be used to bring people together to find a peaceful way to deal with the country.