UN humanitarian chief calls for protection of civilians and access for humanitarian aid in South Sudan

New York/Geneva, 17 July 2013: I am alarmed by the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Pibor County in Jonglei, where an estimated 100,000 civilians have been cut off from life-saving assistance as a result of fighting between state and non-state armed actors, and the recent resurgence of inter-communal clashes.

The fighting is threatening the lives of ordinary people and has reduced the ability of humanitarian organizations to provide urgently needed help. For the first time since the beginning of hostilities, relief organizations have been able to deliver assistance to the Dorein area along the Kengen River today. That is good news, but the delivery of food and other basic supplies into such vast and swampy terrain requires significant resources. I ask the international community to ensure that we have the necessary logistical resources, including air assets, to reach all those in need in Pibor County.

As long as the fighting continues, delivery of aid will be limited and we will not get help to those who need it. The UN will work with all parties to ensure people in need receive humanitarian assistance and remind all sides to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians. I call on all parties to stop the violence immediately, to prevent further unnecessary loss of life, and to create the necessary security environment conducive for aid delivery.

For further information, please call:
Clare Doyle, OCHA New York, doylecm@un.org +1 212 963 5009 (o) +1 646 288 6331 (m)
Tapiwa Gomo, OCHA South Sudan, gomo@un.org, +47 2413 7828, ext 1060 211 (o) +211 (0) 922406079 (m)