UN Humanitarian Coordinator Eugene Owusu today strongly condemned the armed robbery in Juba of the compound of a UN-partner organization called Nile Hope.

“Violence and crime against humanitarian organizations are jeopardizing the ability of aid workers to provide assistance at a time when humanitarian needs are greater than ever,” said Mr. Owusu. “This is unacceptable and must stop. I call on all actors to respect and protect humanitarian staff and assets.”

A news release issued by the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said aid workers were held at gunpoint during the robbery on 20 November and significant assets of the non-governmental organization (NGO) were taken.

“This is absolutely reprehensible and those responsible must be identified and held to account,” said the statement, adding that staff of Nile Hope and other humanitarian workers work “day in and day out” in dangerous and difficult locations across the country to help people in dire need.

“I call on all relevant actors including the government to work together to strengthen our collective resolve to protect the safety and security of humanitarian workers,” said Mr. Owusu, who is also the Deputy Representative of the UN Secretary-General.

The Nile Hope compound robbery was the latest in a string of violent incidents affecting humanitarian partners operating in South Sudan, the statement said.

It revealed that in October alone humanitarian partners reported 32 cases of attempted or successful robbery, burglary and looting affecting their operations, including 15 in Juba.

A humanitarian worker was also killed during a compound robbery in September.