28 November 2012 - The single biggest humanitarian need for South Sudan was development, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General (DSRSG) and UN Humanitarian Coordinator said in Juba today.

Speaking at a preview presentation of the humanitarian Consolidated Appeal (CAP) for 2013, DSRSG Toby Lanzer said the appeal, while looking at emergency and crisis situations, was also designed to link humanitarian assistance and development.

"In addition to food security, refugees and pre-positioning relief ahead of the next rainy season, the CAP also looks to the longer term development needs of South Sudan," said Mr. Lanzer.

The appeal, developed by the Government of the South Sudan and 114 humanitarian agencies, including UN agencies and non-governmental organizations (NGOs), is seeking $1.16 billion to address urgent humanitarian needs in the country in 2013.

"The humanitarian situation in South Sudan is fragile," said Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management Joseph Lual Achuil.

"Although the 16 months since independence have seen much progress in our young nation, we still need to work together to meet the needs of all the vulnerable people in our country," he said. "As such, we welcome and will facilitate the critical work of the UN agencies and NGOs here."

Mr. Achuil said $2.3 billion would target food-insecure populations and the rest of the aid, if received, would cater to needs of refugees and other emergency services like health and education.

He added that the situation could improve if oil production resumed and other issues like the agreement with Sudan were agreed to.

"A well-coordinated response in 2013 will ensure that communities struck by the crisis get the best available protection and assistance on time," said Mr. Lanzer.

"Planning is key to effective humanitarian response," he said. "Over a third of funding required in the Consolidated Appeal enables us to pre-position emergency aid in deep field locations during the dry season, thus saving lives when the rains hit and up to 60 per cent of the country is inaccessible."

The government and humanitarian community appealed to partners to contribute in achieving the appeal's goals, stating it was not just reaching out to the international community, but also to populations in South Sudan that could provide assistance.