The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs has placed South Sudan tops the list of most dangerous countries in the world for humanitarian workers.
This came during the commemoration of World humanitarian Day celebrated on 19th August annually.
The Acting Humanitarian Coordinator, Peter Van der Auweraert says 22 aid workers lost their lives and 36 injured this year alone in South Sudan,
According to 2023 Aid Worker Security Report this year, South Sudan has recorded the highest number of attacks against aid workers.
“Too many humanitarians, most of them South Sudanese nationals, have lost their lives while trying to alleviate the suffering around them,” said Peter Van der Auweraert, Acting Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.
“As we mark World Humanitarian Day, we honor their memory and pay tribute to their dedication and selflessness,” he added.
Peter Van der further stated that humanitarian workers, mostly national staff, face severe constraints while trying to reach people in need across South Sudan.
Armed violence, bureaucratic impediments, operational interference, targeted violence, and threats, and looting of assets, “Peter adds.”
He states that, most security incidents were recorded in Jonglei State, Greater Pibor Administrative Area, Upper Nile State, Unity State, Central Equatoria State, Western Bahr el Ghazal State, and Abyei Administrative Area.
“Between February and June 2023, criminal activities, particularly ambushes, looting of commercial and humanitarian trucks and insecurity between Jonglei State and the Greater Pibor Administrative Area hindered the pre-positioning of supplies ahead of the rainy season, and forced a temporary halt in some humanitarian operations.”
The Acting coordinator regrets the continue incidents against aid workers even as humanitarian needs increase and funding lags.
“Some 9.4 million people in the country more than two-thirds of the population need humanitarian and protection assistance. Humanitarians require US$1.7 billion to target 6.8 million of the most vulnerable people.”
The overcrowding of refugees and returnees at border points, transit centers and the Protection of Civilians site in Upper Nile State is likely to increase tensions and conflict over access to basic services need humanitarian assistance, “Peter Van explains.”
“In addition, the conflict in neighboring Sudan has triggered an influx of over 220,000 refugees, returnees, and third-country nationals into South Sudan since April.
“The lack of a conducive environment for humanitarian workers significantly affects vital life-saving support to the most vulnerable, especially now as new crises put additional strain on the already fragile humanitarian situation,”
The Acting Humanitarian Coordinator appeals to people of South Sudan to create conducive environment for humanitarian workers because those trying to help deserve better.
The official made this statement during the celebration of World Humanitarian Day, under the theme “advocates for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, safety and security of aid workers.