The United Nations Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator Stephen O’Brien, who is currently visiting South Sudan, has demanded unhindered access for humanitarian and aid workers trying to reach needy populations in Wau.

Stephen O’Brien made the urgent request at a meeting with senior government officials in the region, including the Wau State Governor Andrea Mayar. He also expressed concern about the women and children affected by the ongoing conflict, mentioning the malnutrition currently suffered by many of the children.

During discussions with the local authorities, O’Brien emphasized the neutrality of the United Nations in view of the current unrest in South Sudan.

“The United Nations is absolutely committed to its impartiality and neutrality in meeting humanitarian needs,” the UN envoy stressed, urging the authorities to take the necessary steps to ensure security and free access for aid workers.

The response from the leadership in Wau was encouraging.

“We are ready to cooperate with NGOs that are here to support our people,” Governor Mayar told O’Brien, expressing his state’s appreciation for the assistance.

Visiting the region for a firsthand appraisal of the humanitarian situation there, Stephen O’Brien called also called for increased work to alleviate suffering in the communities, but in order to enable such efforts, restoring peace is essential. Peace, in turn, demands political will.

“The first step is that we have to do everything to achieve peace, and that requires a political answer because there will never be a military solution. There is never a military victory, it has to be a political settlement”, O’Brien said in an exclusive interview with Radio Miraya.

Stephen O’Brien also strongly condemned the recent lootings of WFP and FAO warehouses in Juba.

“However much those who committed this unacceptable act may convince themselves that they have needs, they need to bear in mind that they have removed the chance for others to survive and for others to be protected. Clearly it is unacceptable, it is morally reprehensible and it has to be called out that people have to be held to account and we must stop any kind of culture of impunity applying.”