The Need For Peace In South Sudan
Minister Wharton in South Sudan
The Minister spent a day visiting the Protection of Civilian (PoC) site in Malakal where he met people who have been displaced from their homes. He witnessed the desperate humanitarian situation with more than 60% of the population - 7.5 million people - expected to be in need of food and facing potential famine as the worst food crisis since independence in 2011 caused by prolonged conflict and drought threatens lives and risks destabilising the region.
Minister Wharton heard about the challenging delivery conditions from aid workers, including the need for better security and improved infrastructure. This year, UK troops will deploy to support the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), providing engineering and medical support which will enable increased security at UN camps.
In Juba, Minister Wharton met with teachers and children at the Ustrautuna Primary School and saw how the Girls' Education South Sudan initiative is transforming the lives of a generation of girls, supporting 1.3 million children and over 3,500 schools to ensure children get an education despite the conflict.
South Sudan - photo by H2O For Life
"South Sudan faces a worsening humanitarian crisis with over half the population in urgent, desperate need and ongoing violence forcing over a million people to flee their homes and seek refuge in neighbouring countries.
"I am proud of the lifesaving support that UK aid is providing for millions of the poorest people in South Sudan, including food, clean water, medicine, shelter and education to increase opportunities for the future.
"UK troops will support UNMISS by providing vital engineering and medical assistance to help improve security at UN camps and support UNMISS's capacity to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access, which is central to their mission.
"The international community must now step up alongside Global Britain and help encourage the longer-term stability of South Sudan and the region, which is firmly in our interests."
Children in South Sudan - photo by David Stanley
The UK has provided more than £500 million of support to South Sudan over the past three years. Last year, UK aid in South Sudan:
Fed 440,000 people
Provided clean water and sanitation for 490,000 people
Provided 660,000 people with health support, including mothers and children; and
Provided 130,000 people with shelter and emergency non-food items.
The Need For Peace In South Sudan, 14th February 2017, 21:43 PM