The United Nations and its partners released a $1.7 billion Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) for South Sudan on Thursday, with the goal of meeting the needs of 6.8 million vulnerable people this year.
“The cumulative and compounding consequences of years of climate-related shocks like floods and drought, war and subnational violence have ruined people’s homes and livelihoods, depriving them of the future they deserve,” said Sara Beysolow Nyanti, UN Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan.
Despite these difficulties, “affected communities have shown a wonderful sense of resilience, unity, and innovation,” she noted.
Ms. Nyanti asked the government, development partners, funders, and humanitarian groups to back up their words of sympathy with “unwavering assistance.”
This year, it is predicted that 8.9 million people in South Sudan would need humanitarian aid.
The HRP will target 6.8 million of the most vulnerable individuals in the nation, where over two million people have been displaced for years.
According to humanitarian estimates, 8.3 million people, including refugees, would experience extreme food insecurity by the height of the lean season, which spans from May to July.
Flooding on a large scale is also forecast for the fourth year in a row, along with the resulting devastation and relocation.
Ms Nyanti said that the HRP represents a commitment to protecting vulnerable individuals, including women and girls, the elderly, and those with disabilities.
“Sexual and other types of violence remain a huge concern in South Sudan, therefore safety is at the heart of all we do.”
“It is critical to have a communal reaction to prevent and respond to violence, particularly against women and girls,” she added.
“Those who perpetrate such crimes must be brought to justice,” she continued, “and humanitarians must continue to work with development and other partners to address the core causes of rising humanitarian needs.”
