The Federal Government is making available 2 million euro for emergency supplies for refugees and internally displaced persons in South Sudan. The funds will be put to good use by the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the World Food Programme (WFP).

Minister of State Cornelia Pieper called today (12 January) in New York for all parties to the conflict in the Sudan and South Sudan to cease hostilities immediately and refrain from further violence. Humanitarian aid workers should, she said, be given immediate access to the affected population in contested areas.

The Republic of South Sudan, which was established only last year, already faces huge humanitarian challenges. In the past weeks, there have been violent tribal clashes in the province of Jonglei, which have claimed many civilian lives. As a consequence of the conflict in the Sudanese provinces of South Kordofan and Blue Nile, up to 50,000 people have fled to South Sudan.

The money provided now will be used to supply much needed items such as blankets, kitchen utensils and emergency accommodation for refugees and internally displaced persons. In addition, the ICRC and UNHCR will also provide protection for population groups that are particularly at risk. The WFP Humanitarian Air Service is vital for transporting aid workers to remote conflict areas.

It is exceptionally difficult to provide humanitarian assistance in the Sudan and South Sudan – security risks, a lack of infrastructure and bureaucratic obstacles all constitute checks on effective aid.