Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator: "Freedom of Movement Vital During the Planting Season"
Attachments
Download attachment
Press Statement
South Sudan | 2 April 2015
Statement by Toby Lanzer, Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan
Juba, 2 April 2015: “As we enter the main planting season in South Sudan, I am deeply concerned that the conflict continues to restrict civilians’ freedom of movement and thereby limit people’s ability to provide for themselves. It is vital that the people in South Sudan are able to move freely to access their land, plant crops, tend to their livestock and trade without fear of violence.
Freedom of movement is crucial to prevent a further deterioration in the food security situation caused by the ongoing conflict. Traditional livestock migration patterns, agriculture and trading routes have been significantly disrupted by the ongoing fighting, in particular in Jonglei, Unity and Upper Nile states. More than 2.5 million people are severely food insecure and this number could grow precipitously during the lean season, which is shortly upon us and lasts until August.
A safe and secure environment is also necessary for aid agencies to reach as many people in need as possible with lifesaving aid and livelihood support to alleviate suffering, prevent hunger and enable people to help themselves. UN agencies and non-governmental organisations are doing all they can to address the humanitarian consequences of the crisis and count on the full support of the authorities in order to help meet the needs of the people of South Sudan in the most cost-effective manner.”
To download the press release, click here.
For more information, contact: Tapiwa Gomo, Head of Communication, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan (gomo@un.org / +211 922406079)
Jennifer Paton, Public Information and Reporting Officer, UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in South Sudan (patonj@un.org / +211 920100413)
Website www.unocha.org/south-sudan | Facebook UNOCHA South Sudan | Twitter @OCHASouthSudan