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South Sudan: Ban condemns stealing of humanitarian aid

16 Jan 2014, 08:01 am Print

South Sudan: Ban condemns stealing of humanitarian aid
New York, Jan 16 (JEN): As the conflict escalates in South Sudan, where fighting has now driven more than 400,000 people from their homes and left twice as many in dire need of aid, United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has strongly condemned anti- and pro-Government forces for stealing food and vehicles used by the humanitarian community, reiterating that the United Nations will continue to actively protect civilians applying strict impartiality.

In a statement issued Tuesday night, his spokesperson said Ban is “alarmed by the rising number of fatalities resulting from the continuing fighting in South Sudan”. 
 
He also noted reports received on Jan 14 of about 200 people, civilians who had drowned in the Nile River while fleeing hostilities in Malakal in the Upper Nile State.
 
Ban also expressed deep concern about the rising number of displaced people in the country, which surpassed 400,000, according to UN figures, since the conflict erupted on Dec 15 between President Salva Kiir’s forces and those of former deputy president Riek Machar.
 
According to the statement, the UN chief “strongly condemns the commandeering of humanitarian vehicles and the theft of food stocks and other relief items by both Government and anti-Government forces.”
 
He also reiterated that the people responsible for attacks against civilians, humanitarian workers and UN personnel will be held to account.
 
The Secretary-General repeated again, his calls on all parties to cease hostilities and to do their utmost to prevent civilian casualties, uphold the principles of International Humanitarian Law and respect human rights.
 
He also urged both sides to engage constructively in talks being held in the Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa under the patronage of the Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD).
 
Continuous fighting around the Jonglei State capital Bor has driven an estimated 136,000 South Sudanese civilians across the River Nile into Awerial County in Lakes State. Photo: UNMISS/Wade Mageng