UN condemns targeted attacks against aid workers

JUBA, JANUARY 23^rd 2023 (SUDANS POST) – The UN on Monday condemned targeted attacks and looting of humanitarian assets in South Sudan’s Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA).

On 18 January, several armed attackers broke into an international NGO compound in Pibor and as a result, one aid worker was beaten to the hospital level.

The Acting UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Peter van der Auweraert claimed the attackers targeted the NGO looking for cash and other assets and stole valuables.

“Such attacks while humanitarians are providing critical services to most vulnerable people are beyond comprehensible,” Peter said in a statement extended to Sudans Post on Monday.

Peter called for an immediate end to repeated acts of violence against civilians and humanitarians in the country.

“The whole humanitarian community is united in its call for an immediate end of these repeated acts of violence against civilians and humanitarians,” said Peter.

Peter said the incident happened a few weeks after the killing of two aid workers in the Abyei Administrative Area and one in Jonglei State on January 2.

“The ongoing violent attacks against humanitarians inadvertently hamper the delivery of much needed life-saving support to millions of people affected in times of escalating conflict and exacerbated the humanitarian situation.”

The UN diplomat urged the authorities to bring the perpetrators swiftly to justice.

“Ending impunity and ensuring accountability for crimes under South Sudanese criminal law and, where applicable, international humanitarian law, is critical to protect humanitarians and civilians alike and, ultimately, to bring long-term peace to South Sudan.”

South Sudan continues to be one of the most dangerous places for aid workers. Nine aid workers were killed while on duty in 2022 alone, compared to five in 2021.

Since the conflict began in 2013, 141 humanitarians, predominantly South Sudanese, have lost their lives while providing humanitarian assistance to the people, according to Ocha.