March 27, 2022
1 min read

UN calls South Sudan to protect aid workers

The UN relief agency has called on South Sudan to protect communities, humanitarian personnel and assets across the country after the killing of three aid workers…reports Asian Lite News

Sara Beysolow Nyanti, the Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan and Arafat Jamal, the Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim (a.i.) who condemned the incident, which occurred on Thursday, urged the perpetrators to respect international law and humanitarian staff and assets.

“This attack is completely unacceptable. This is not the first of these incidents in this area. Criminals who choose to use violence to serve themselves ensure vulnerable people suffer more. If humanitarians and humanitarian assets are not protected, humanitarian assistance to that area will have to stop,” Nyanti said in a joint statement issued in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, on Friday evening.

A convoy of commercial trucks carrying vital life-saving food commodities from the UN World Food Programme (WFP) was attacked between Gadiang and Yuai in Jonglei state on Thursday, Xinhua news agency reported.

Three people on the convoy were killed, and one person was wounded.

The Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan is currently visiting donor capitals to raise the profile of the needs of people in South Sudan and advocating for support.

“When humanitarian assistance is attacked, it is the people in need who suffer. Indeed, such incidents discourage those donor countries who would otherwise invest in South Sudan,” she said.

ALSO READ: Experts urge dialogue among South Sudan parties

Jamal on his part called on the government to immediately implement its commitments to ensure civilians, including humanitarians, are safe.

“I have unfailing admiration for everyone who helps and supports people in need. It is devastating to realise that people undertaking vital work can be executed so heartlessly. The crime is compounded when these attacks go unpunished. These killers must not be allowed to roam free,” he said.

South Sudan, which is one of the most dangerous places for aid workers saw 319 violent incidents reported in 2021 targeting humanitarian personnel and assets, with five aid workers killed, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.

Previous Story

Biden calls Putin a ‘butcher’

Next Story

African countries report 2,846 new Covid cases

Latest from AFRICA NEWS

Violence against children hit unprecedented levels

In Somalia, it reported 2,568 violations against 1,992 children.In Nigeria, 2,436 grave violations were reported against 1,037 children The UN kept Israeli forces on its blacklist of countries that violate children’s rights

Kenya’s Odinga Slams Adani Deal U-Turn

Before the cancellation of the deal, Odinga was among the leaders who defended the Adani Group….reports Asian Lite News Kenya’s former Prime Minister Raila Odinga on Friday expressed disappointment over the cancellation

Yemen Faces Famine Alert

The humanitarian response to the Yemeni crisis has been severely hampered by funding shortfalls…reports Asian Lite News The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has warned that famine

Nigerian leader’s pardon draws criticisms

During an event to mark the 26th anniversary of Nigeria’s return to democracy, Tinubu pardoned the “Ogoni Nine,” including celebrated writer Ken Saro-Wiwa, and described them as “national heroes.” Nigeria’s President Bola
Go toTop

Don't Miss

30 Indian peacekeepers in South Sudan receive UN medal

Earlier this month, 836 peacekeepers from India were awarded the

ETHIOPIA ON TRACK

Ethiopia generates 2.52 bln USD revenue from export trade in