By William Madouk
Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan Ms. Anita Kiki Gbeho said about 24 attacks on aid workers, with four deaths, have been recorded this year alone.
She said these incidents underscore the escalating risks humanitarian staff encounter while delivering critical assistance to vulnerable populations.
Ms Ghebo paid tribute to the brave aid workers who have lost their lives while serving those in need, reflecting on their invaluable contributions amid challenges.
According to data, 2023 has already seen the loss of four South Sudanese humanitarian workers, following the nine who were killed in 2022 and five in 2021.
“On World Humanitarian Day, we honour the bravery and sacrifice of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” she said.
“Their unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and delivering assistance to those in need cannot be overstated,” Ms. Gbeho added.
Based on reports, South Sudan remains one of the most perilous environments for humanitarian workers in 2024.
Gbeho states that “Access constraints across the country hamper efforts to deliver urgent, life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable populations.”
Between January and July, 267 humanitarian access incidents were reported, with 135 incidents involving direct violence against humanitarian personnel and assets, including 28 incidents of looting and theft, the statement added.
Escalating insecurity has forced 15 humanitarian staff to relocate from their operational areas.
A perfect storm awaits
This is reflected by a protracted humanitarian crisis founded on chronic food insecurity; a spillover of the Sudan conflict into South Sudan, resulting in the movement of over 780,000 refugees and internally displaced people.
Including uncertainty in the face of critical political events necessary for a successful transition; a rapidly deteriorating economy; and projected record levels of flooding set to peak in September.
In 2024, 9 million people – three-quarters of South Sudan’s population – are projected to require humanitarian and protection assistance.
Two million people remain displaced due to decades of conflict, intercommunal violence and extreme effects and events of climate change, such as flooding and dry spells.
Approximately 7.1 million people or 56.3 per cent of the total population are projected to face crisis-level or more severe food insecurity in 2024.
Yet, the Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, which seeks to assist 6 million people with an appeal of US$1.8 billion, remains underfunded at 31.5 per cent.
“Without a safe space for aid workers, we risk failing the millions who depend on it,” emphasized Ms. Gbeho.
“With South Sudan on the brink of severe flooding and thousands of returnees arriving from Sudan, the need for safe access to deliver vital aid is critical,” concluded the Humanitarian Coordinator.
The humanitarian community calls on all stakeholders to prioritize the safety and security of humanitarian workers in South Sudan.
“Their ability to operate without fear is crucial to ensuring life-saving assistance reaches those in need,” she added.
In a separate statement, the United States Embassy also paid tribute to aid workers who have sacrificed their lives to help those affected by humanitarian crises around the globe.
“Here, in Juba, we recognize in particular the 20 humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in South Sudan over this past year. We express our support for the dedicated humanitarian workers, both South Sudanese and foreign, who despite significant challenges continue their noble work of providing life-saving assistance in this country,” the statement stated.
“We reaffirm our call on the transitional government to reduce the costs and risks of delivering assistance in South Sudan and to ensure safe humanitarian access to those in need,” she said in the statement
World Humanitarian Day takes place every 19 August to recognize the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of humanitarians around the world.
World Humanitarian Day advocates for the survival, well-being and dignity of people affected by crises, and for the safety and security of aid workers.