South Sudan: Rising food insecurity reported in Eastern Equatoria
HIGHLIGHTS
• Humanitarian Coordinator condemns violence against aid workers.
• About 21,400 people are displaced in the Greater Baggari area in Wau County.
• Health partners are stepping up malaria preparedness and response efforts.
• There are reports of increasing food insecurity in Eastern Equatoria.
• UN Special Representative calls for action against sexual violence.
FIGURES
No. of Internally Displaced Persons 1.69 million
No. of refugees in neighboring countries (post 15 Dec 2013) 720,394
No. of severely food insecure people from Jan - Mar 2016 2.8 million
FUNDING
$379 million funding received in 2016
29% of appeal funding received in 2016
$1.29 billion requirements for South Sudan 2016 Humanitarian Response Plan
Humanitarian Coordinator condemns the killing of a health worker
The Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, Eugene Owusu, has strongly condemned the tragic killing of Sister Veronika Racková, a Slovakian nun and medical doctor who was shot on 15 May 2016 in Yei, while on a humanitarian mission, and later succumbed to her wounds.
“I am deeply saddened by this senseless act and send my deepest condolences to the family, friends and colleagues of Sister Veronika Racková,” said Mr. Owusu. “I welcome steps being taken by the authorities to bring the perpetrators to justice and urge them to act swiftly.”
Sister Veronika Racková was driving an ambulance on her way back from a medical centre when she was attacked. Her death brings the number of aid workers killed in South Sudan since the beginning of the conflict in December 2013 to 54.
“Violence against humanitarian workers and humanitarian assets is categorically unacceptable and must stop,” said Mr. Owusu. “I urge the Transitional Government of National Unity to endeavour to strengthen the safety and security environment for aid workers and will work intensively with them to achieve this.”
Humanitarian partners have recently recorded an increase in attacks, robberies, and harassment against ambulances, particularly in Juba.
