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August 20, 2024 (Juba) – The U.S. Embassy in South Sudan pays tribute to the more than 20 aid workers who have lost their lives in Africa’s youngest country over the past year.
The Chinese Embassy also paid tribute on World Humanitarian Day to all humanitarian workers who have sacrificed their lives to help people affected by crises around the world.
“In Juba, we pay special tribute to the 20 humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in South Sudan over the past year. We express our support for the dedicated humanitarian workers, both South Sudanese and foreign, who continue to do the noble work of providing life-saving assistance to this country despite the enormous challenges they face,” read a statement from the embassy on Monday.
The Chinese Embassy urged the government to reduce the cost and risk of providing aid to South Sudan and ensure that humanitarian assistance can be safely delivered to people in need.
The Chinese Embassy said that currently about 9 million people in South Sudan need humanitarian assistance. China has provided more than 508 million US dollars in aid to South Sudan this year and remains the country’s largest provider of relief aid.
Meanwhile, the United Nations says 24 aid workers have been attacked in South Sudan this year, making the country one of the most dangerous places for humanitarian workers.
The report also stated that the escalating security situation forced 15 humanitarian workers to evacuate their work areas.
“On World Humanitarian Day, we pay tribute to the bravery and sacrifice of humanitarian workers who have lost their lives in the line of duty,” said Anita Kiki Gbeho, Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.
She added: “Their unwavering commitment to alleviating suffering and providing aid to those in need cannot be overstated.”
Some 7.1 million people are expected to face crisis-level or worse food insecurity by 2024. In addition, only 31.5 percent of the $1.8 billion earmarked to assist 6 million people has reportedly been funded.
“If aid workers don’t have a safe space, we risk failing the millions of people who depend on it,” Gbeho noted.
She added: “With South Sudan facing severe flooding and tens of thousands of refugees returning from Sudan, the safe delivery of vital aid is critical.”
Meanwhile, the humanitarian community urged all stakeholders to prioritize the safety of humanitarian workers in South Sudan, adding: “Their ability to work without fear is critical to ensuring that life-saving assistance reaches those in need.”
(English stone)
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