In towns and villages across South Sudan, families are starving.

About 4.8 million people are experiencing severe food insecurity - about half of the country’s population. Another two million have fled to neighbouring countries, seeking refuge from the violence that erupted in 2013.

Humanitarian agencies work hard to reach the most vulnerable but face significant challenges, including physical violence and restrictions on their movement.

However, at his first official press conference since joining the UN Mission in South Sudan, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Alain Noudéhou, expressed optimism that a recent Presidential decree ordering free movement for humanitarians in the conflict-afflicted country will improve access.

“It is about the people who need assistance. It is about how we make sure that this family, this woman, or these children, who are actually in need of help, we make sure get there,” said Alain Noudéhou. “This is what all humanitarian access is about. It is not just a word in itself. It is about reaching the people in need.”

Another barrier to humanitarian work has been increasing fees imposed by the Government on aid agencies, including charges for work permits.

“It is something that is of great concern to humanitarians because of the level of the fees but at the same time it is also important to recognize that this is the law of the country and it is important that people abide by it and make sure we are here working legally,” said Alain Noudéhou.

Alain Noudéhou wears a number of hats in South Sudan. As well as DSRSG, he is Humanitarian Coordinator, Resident Representative of UNDP, and UN Resident Coordinator, coordinating the work of 17 UN agencies, funds and programmes.

The UN Country Team is currently working on a new plan to define its priorities for next year and beyond. A key focus is on the need for UN agencies and cooperating partners to help build resilience at the local level to enhance people’s ability to cope in the face of crisis.

There are also strong coordinated efforts underway to help internally displaced people return home.

About 215,000 people live in protected sites next to UN bases in South Sudan. A joint initiative to support their return home is progressing well with 13,000 people in Bentiu choosing to move back to their communities in recent months.

About 90 per cent of humanitarian assistance is already dedicated to communities outside the camps. A fresh push is now underway to create training and job opportunities and ensure people have access to clean water, healthcare, and education.

“When it comes to protection, it is not just about where people are, where they can be in terms of where we have a protection site,” said Alain Noudéhou. “It is also regarding all the things that you can do to make sure that the broader environment people are actually living in is conducive for them to live freely and in a protected environment.”

Providing that secure environment is a challenge with the risk of increased fighting during the upcoming dry season and the deteriorating economic situation.

“We would want to encourage people to make sure that we really stop the fighting and we make sure that people then have the time and also have the safety terms of the environment to try and get back to their life,” said Alain Noudéhou.

The ultimate goal of peacekeepers and humanitarians working together in South Sudan is to give people the confidence to return home to live safe, dignified and peaceful lives.