9 July 2014 - The real humanitarian heroes in South Sudan were the country’s citizens who were doing everything possible to assist fellow citizens in need, the Acting Humanitarian Coordinator Sue Lautze said in a statement today.

“As a humanitarian community, we take this opportunity to salute the people of South Sudan who are at the forefront of grassroots humanitarian action, providing assistance, friendship and compassion within and across their communities,” she said as South Sudan celebrated its third independence anniversary.

“These are the real humanitarian heroes who are helping so many to cope with the myriad risks that characterize life in South Sudan,” added Ms. Lautze, who is also the head of the UN Food and Agriculture Organization in the country. “While this young nation celebrates today, we acknowledge with regret the many South Sudanese facing extraordinarily difficult circumstances.”

Ms. Lautze commended the work of health workers, field extension agents, Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) staff and others “who have remained in their positions, often working without salaries and support, in order to provide care to so many in need”.

“We urge the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to restore budgets to these core functions – including for workers still in their positions in Opposition held territory,” she said.

Humanitarian partners also appealed to the government and the opposition to ensure an enabling environment for safe and effective delivery of humanitarian assistance.

“We welcome the high-level statements from both regarding the need for humanitarian assistance to be provided to all who suffer, and call on all political and military leaders to show their commitment to their people by allowing humanitarian organizations to urgently reach those in need,” said Ms. Lautze.

She pledged on behalf of both national and international partners, that the humanitarian community would remain in solidarity with all South Sudanese, regardless of whichever side of the divide they were.

“We continue to do our utmost to provide assistance to those in need by the same principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality, and independence that guided humanitarian assistance around the world, including in South Sudan, for decades,” said Ms. Lautze.