UN estimates nearly 70 percent of South Sudan’s population is in dire need of aid

JUBA, MARCH 8, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – More than 7.8 million people in South Sudan are in dire need of humanitarian assistance, said UN official.

The head of UN mission in South Sudan, Nicholas Haysom said an estimated more than two-thirds of the population including refugees are expected to be in dire need humanitarian this year.

“This year, an estimated more than two-thirds of the population including refugees, are projected to need humanitarian and protection assistance. This represents an increase of half a million people compared to last year,” Haysom said during his addressing to UN Security Council in Geneva on Tuesday.

The UN envoy to South Sudan attributed dire humanitarian situation in the country to economic, climate shocks and conflict primarily.

Haysom said the humanitarian community is seeking US$1.7 billion to reach 6.8 million vulnerable people in the country

“In December 2022, the humanitarian community in South Sudan released the Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for 2023. The plan requires US$1.7 billion to reach 6.8 million of the most vulnerable people with urgent vital support. Sadly, the plan is only 3% supported as our colleagues in OCHA will brief.”

“The efforts of humanitarians to reach affected people with life-saving support are continuously hampered by insecurity, criminality, operational interference and attacks against humanitarian personnel and assets.”