Stop attacks on aid convoys, UN humanitarian coordinator says

1 Mar 2013

Stop attacks on aid convoys, UN humanitarian coordinator says

28 February 2013 - Armed actors in Jonglei State must stop attacking aid workers and seizing their supplies, the top UN humanitarian official in South Sudan said today.

"The provision of impartial, neutral and independent humanitarian action must be respected by all armed actors, and the rapid and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid facilitated to those in need, wherever they may be," said Toby Lanzer in a statement released by the Office of the Coordinator for Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in the country.

"Armed actors must distinguish between civilians and those directly involved in hostilities, regardless of their ethnicity or location," added Mr. Lanzer, who is also Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary General (DSRSG) and UN Resident Coordinator.

The humanitarian community has been delivering assistance to the civilian population, mostly women and children affected by recent violent events in the state. According to OCHA, over 23,000 people in Akobo County who were affected by violence in Walgak on 8 and 10 February have received assistance so far.

The humanitarian community was also responding to the needs of 19,000 civilians in Pibor County whose lives have been at risk due to inter-communal violence and hostilities in past months, the statement said.

"I call on all armed actors to respect their obligations under international law to ensure that civilians are spared from the consequences of military engagement," Mr. Lanzer said. "Civilians seeking assistance and protection from violence must be allowed to move freely in line with their own judgment."

He urged the South Sudanese government to reinforce its efforts to strengthen law and order and hold accountable those responsible for committing crimes and putting civilian populations at risk.

The UN has expressed deep concern about the continuing cycle of violence in Jonglei, following conflict in Akobo County.

"Unless community leaders and government authorities take decisive action to stop the violence, stability in the whole of Jonglei state will be at stake," said UNMISS chief SRSG Hilde F. Johnson after a two-day visit to the areas hardest hit by recent instability and cattle raiding.

"These reoccurring spates of violence are extremely serious and can jeopardize everything that has been achieved so far for peace and reconciliation in Jonglei. I am very worried, and strongly urge immediate action to be taken by government and community leaders to ensure stability. The cycle of violence must stop," she said.

She added that UNMISS was carrying out an investigation into the incident and conducting interviews with survivors, both civilians and military. The report will be made public when completed.