South Sudan: Aid agencies appeal for $1.72 billion to assist 6 million people amidst rising needs

(Juba, 13 December 2017): The humanitarian community in South Sudan has today launched an appeal for US$1.72 billion to provide critical and life-saving assistance to 6 million people affected by conflict, displacement, hunger and a deteriorating economy.

“There is growing need for humanitarian assistance with displacement, food insecurity, malnutrition, violence and economic decline taking a toll on the health, safety and livelihoods of people in need,” said Alain Noudéhou, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.

“Today, we are calling for US$1.72 billion to continue providing life-saving assistance and protection for 6 million people most in need in South Sudan.” Mr. Noudéhou emphasized the centrality of protection of vulnerable groups, especially women and children, in the response plan.

Since the conflict in began in December 2013, about 4 million people have been forced to flee their homes, including nearly 1.9 million people who have been internally displaced and about 2.1 million who have fled as refugees to neighbouring countries.

As the conflict continues in some parts of the country, rates of hunger and malnutrition have risen, and the food security partners report the risk of famine as significant for thousands of people in multiple areas, if early actions are not taken.

According to the South Sudan Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC), an earlier than normal start of the lean season will result in an estimated 5.1 million people (48 per cent of the total population) being classified as severely food insecure between January-March 2018.
According to nutrition surveys, approximately half of all South Sudanese children under five experience acute malnutrition.

Despite these challenges, the humanitarian operation in South Sudan continues to reach millions of people in need across the country. As of the end of November, aid organizations had reached more than 5 million people with assistance and protection since the beginning of the year.

Mr. Noudéhou thanked South Sudan’s donors, who contributed to cover over 70 per cent of the plan for 2017. He also called on all stakeholders to play their roles in alleviating the suffering of the people of South Sudan, highlighting the enormity of the challenge and the collective efforts for a rigorous prioritization to ensure the effectiveness of the response.

“With our collective and coordinated efforts, we will be able to effectively provide much needed assistance to the people in need. Children will remain in school. Many more will survive diseases. Livelihoods and hope will be restored. There is so much at stake.” said Mr. Noudéhou.

One hundred and sixty-seven aid organizations including 95 national Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) 61 international NGOs and 11 United Nations entities aim to implement projects under the 2018 Humanitarian Response Plan.

For more details, please consult the Humanitarian Response Plan and the Humanitarian Needs Overview.