UN humanitarian chief encounters thousands of displaced people in Jonglei, Southern Sudan

(New York/Juba, 8 May 2009): John Holmes, United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, visiting Akobo, Jonglei State, today encountered thousands of displaced civilians, many in a poor state as a result of the recent violence in that area between the Murle and Nuer tribes. He discussed various issues with community leaders and Government officials, including the Governor of Jonglei.

Since January 2009, up to 1,000 people have been killed and over 100,000 people displaced in seven states in Southern Sudan due to attacks by the Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) and inter-ethnic clashes.

"Since my last visit to Juba in November, the humanitarian situation has significantly worsened, and I am particularly concerned about the growing insecurity in Jonglei State and other areas, which led to so many deaths and over 22,000 newly displaced persons, and about the further ravages of the LRA," said Mr. Holmes after speaking with those affected in Akobo.

Many families in Akobo told the humanitarian coordinator of their wish to return to their homes as soon as security could be guaranteed. Mr. Holmes appealed for a peaceful resolution of problems through dialogue and reconciliation, so that the lives of innocent people can be saved. The Emergency Relief Coordinator also called upon all the key players to begin a process of voluntary disarmament in the affected counties so that all groups can feel safe. Peaceful disarmament of civilians has to be part of that.

"These men, women and children are obviously in desperate need. Based on what I heard from the families I have spoken to, we urgently need not only increased humanitarian assistance but also action to reconcile differences and stop this cycle of violence," he said.

The UN and its partners continue to meet the most urgent humanitarian needs of the affected population. However, long-term solutions to the continuing inter-ethnic violence and cattle rustling must be found. Currently 24 humanitarian agencies are responding to needs attributed to conflict-related outbreaks in seven out of 10 states in Southern Sudan.

Southern Sudan will also need increased funding to meet even the most urgent emergency needs as the situation is expected to worsen. Budget cuts continue to impact on the most vulnerable sectors. Agencies are estimating that the number of at-risk people will increase by as much as 20-30 percent during the second half of the year.

In Juba, Mr. Holmes met with Vice-President Dr. Riek Machar, and reviewed the humanitarian needs in Southern Sudan, including concerns about food security as well as the victims of violence. They agreed to continue to work closely together to resolve issues. Mr. Holmes welcomed the excellent cooperation enjoyed by UN agencies and NGOs from the Government of Southern Sudan.

On Saturday 9 May, the Emergency Relief Coordinator will travel to North Darfur before returning to Khartoum to wrap up his visit on Sunday.

For further information, please call: OCHA-Sudan: Orla Clinton, 00 249 912174454. Clinton@un.org; OCHA-New York: Stephanie Bunker, +1 917 367 5126, mobile +1 917 892 1679, bunker@un.org; Nicholas Reader, +1 212 963 4961, mobile +1 646 752 3117, reader@un.org, John Nyaga +1 917 367 9262, +1 917 318 8917 OCHA-Geneva: Elisabeth Byrs, +41 22 917 2653, mobile +41 79 473 4570, byrs@un.org

OCHA press releases are available at http://ochaonline.un.org or www.reliefweb.int
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The mission of the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is to mobilize and coordinate effective and principled humanitarian action in partnership with national and international actors