UN decries escalating attacks on aid workers in South Sudan

JUBA – The United Nations on Friday expressed concern about the increasing attacks on aid workers, the very group responding with life-saving assistance in South Sudan.

Ms. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan said this month alone; three humanaitarian workers lost their lives in the line of duty in South Sudan.

“My deepest sympathies go to the families and loved ones of our colleagues who lost their lives while providing much-needed humanitarian assistance,” Ms. Nyanti said in a statement issued on Friday.

Ms. Nyanti noted that continuous violence against civilians and humanitarian workers affects the delivery of life-saving support to people in a protracted dire situation.

“People in South Sudan are living in insecurity, and a fast-deteriorating humanitarian crisis and those working tirelessly to alleviate the suffering of the most vulnerable continue to lose their lives,” said Nyanti.

She said access constraints, bureaucratic impediments, widespread criminality, inter-communal violence, and revenge killings, hamper the work of humanitarian actors.

“As humanitarian actors in South Sudan, both national and international, we call upon armed individuals and respective authorities to safeguard the lives of civilians and humanitarians.”

She added that “We condemn in strongest terms all forms of violence against civilians and humanitarians.”

Since the beginning of 2022, eight humanitarian workers were killed while on duty.

As of 31 August, 275 incidents of humanitarian access constraints were reported, of which 141 involved violence against humanitarian personnel and assets.

The highest numbers of incidents were reported in Jonglei, Central Equatoria, and the Unity States.