Extreme Hunger Risk In South Sudan As Fighting Blocks Food Aid: Report

 

By Peter Lokale Nakimangole

TORIT, 23 October, 2015 [Gurtong] – That Is according to the Oxfam South Sudan Country Director, Zlatko Gegic speaking in response to the latest Integrated Phase Classification (IPC) or food security analysis for South Sudan.

“We hold grave concerns for the estimated 30,000 people experiencing extreme and dangerous hunger levels in war ravaged Unity State, where despite the peace deal fighting continues to cut people off from aid."

He said by December, 10,000 more people are expected to join them.

The Oxfam's Country Director's Mr. Gegic said Oxfam is working with communities in Southern Unity, where they have seen appalling conditions first hand.

"We hear heartbreaking stories of civilians being caught up in a vicious cycle – fleeing their homes and making the treacherous journey to safer locations, only to be faced with starvation as aid organizations are blocked due to fighting. Many children have arrived alone, their mothers killed in the fighting or during the journey, with nothing but the clothes on their backs, surviving on plant roots and whatever else they can forage."

He said that humanitarians do not have enough funding to respond to the crisis, with the UN appeal for 2015 only 55% funded urging donors to urgently release funding for emergency food aid to save lives and help avert a devastating crisis.

“After almost two years of fighting, the long term effects of this war have ravaged communities across the country."

Oxfam is appealing to the warring parties to respect the ceasefire and enable people to reach the help they desperately need.

“The international community must continue to apply all diplomatic measures that will support the delivery of real, lasting peace,” Mr Gegic said.

According to the latest IPC food security summary report, approximately 3.9 million people, including 30,000 classified in Catastrophe, or 34% of the population are severely food and nutrition insecure and are unable to meet their food needs in September.