NOK 50 million for emergency relief in South Sudan

“The humanitarian situation in South Sudan has deteriorated as a result of increasing hostilities throughout the country. As in all armed conflicts, civilians are suffering the most. The UN has called for immediate aid to address the emerging humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. Norway is sending NOK 50 million in response to this appeal. We are monitoring the situation closely and will consider providing additional funds,” said Foreign Minister Børge Brende.

In its revised emergency appeal, the UN announced that more than NOK 1 billion is needed for food, medicine and other relief items for those affected by the fighting in South Sudan. The Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that at least 90 000 people have been displaced in the past ten days. Many of them have sought refuge in or near UN camps in South Sudan.

“We support the UN’s urgent appeal for funds to meet immediate humanitarian needs in the wake of the violence and unrest in South Sudan. This will enable humanitarian organisations to help the victims of the conflict. The UN presence in South Sudan is vital for protecting civilians and ensuring that the aid reaches those who need it. Efforts to find a political solution to the conflict must continue unabated; if they fail, the situation may rapidly get worse,” Mr Brende said.

In mid-December the Ministry of Foreign Affairs allocated an additional NOK 35 million to the International Red Cross, the World Food Programme and the Norwegian Refugee Council. This money is now being used for emergency relief in South Sudan. Norway’s contribution also includes donations to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund.