Ms. Valerie Amos speaking to the press in Juba [©Gurtong]
By Waakhe Simon Wudu
JUBA, 3rd February 2012 [Gurtong] - The humanitarian situation in South Sudan needs $760 million US Dollars , the United Nations (UN) representatives revealed yesterday while speaking to the press in Juba.
Ms. Valerie Amos the, UN Undersecretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator visited South Sudan last Wednesday to assess the humanitarian situation in the country.
After meeting government officials, Humanitarian organizations in the country and at least 140,000 victims affected with intertribal clashes in Pibor County of Jonglei State, she described the situation to be terrible.
“For 2012, we are asking the international community for just over US$760 million dollars; three-quarters of a billion dollars for humanitarian needs in South Sudan,” Valerie said.
“It is a terrible situation – people have lost loved ones, their possessions, and their livelihoods,” Valerie told the press at the UN Humanitarian Coordination office in Juba while adding that, the remoteness of many of many areas limits humanitarian operation in the country.
“Many of the areas we need to visit are very remote and can only be reached by air, making this operation hugely expensive compared to road,” she said.
Meanwhile, Valerie has also warned on a likely increased situation in the country. She said with the shut-down of oil exploration in the country, continued return of South Sudanese from Sudan and the soon expected rains, the humanitarian situation will worsen if not quickly addressed.
“If oil production is shut down, many people will feel the effects; humanitarian needs will inevitably increase, and the combined efforts of the Government, the Aid community and the donors will not be enough. The scope of this crisis cannot be ignored but we can only do so much. Government leadership is vital,” she said.
In December 2011 and early January 2011, South Sudan witnessed another historic and unforgettable conflict when the Lou-Nuer and Murle communities in Jonglei carried out intertribal attacks leaving many dead and displaced over 100,000 people.