Humanitarian action can never be a substitute for political solutions to conflict, UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon said in Juba today during a press conference at the end of a visit to South Sudan.

“More than two years ago, we opened our gates to provide sanctuary … By doing so, thousands of lives were saved,” he said. “The protection camps are not a long-term solution. As important as it is, humanitarian action can never be a substitute for political solutions.”

Mr. Ban, who met with representatives of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and visited a protection of civilians site, said he was “profoundly moved” and called on all parties to respect the sites. 

“Attacks against civilians, peacekeepers and UN premises – such as in Malakal last week – violate international humanitarian law and must stop,” he said. 

Speaking to pupils at a primary school at the protection of civilians site, Mr. Ban recounted his own experience as a child growing up in the middle of war in his home country.

“I was like you, but now I am the Secretary-General of the United Nations,” he said. “You can also become one day Secretary-General. Study hard. Have big hope(s). Dream big and work for your country.”

The top UN official, who had earlier met with President Salva Kiir and spoken to First Vice President Riek Machar on the phone, called on the South Sudanese government to step up to its responsibility and protect its population.

“South Sudan now has a peace agreement,” he said. “Respecting the terms of the peace agreement is not an option.  It is a must.” 

Noting that he was encouraged by the proposed compromise on implementing security arrangements in Juba, Mr. Ban urged the country’s leaders to put peace above politics.

“Pursue compromise. Overcome obstacles. Establish the Transitional Government of National Unity.  And do not delay it,” he said.

Speaking to the media after the meeting with the President, South Sudan’s Minister of Foreign Affairs Minister Marial Benjamin said President Kiir had assured the Secretary-General of his commitment to implement the Peace Agreement.

“The Secretary-General also assured the President that he will urge Riek Machar to come as soon as possible so that the Transitional Government of National Unity can be formed,” said Mr. Benjamin.

He added that the two leaders had also discussed relations between UNMISS and South Sudan, noting that there should be more cooperation.

In a discussion about the recent violence in the UNMISS PoC Site in Malakal, it was noted that investigations both by the government and UNMISS are ongoing.

Addressing the journalists, the Secretary-General expressed concern that as the humanitarian and economic situation in the country continues to plummet, over $1.3 billion is needed to address current needs of over 5 million South Sudanese this year alone. 

“I am announcing today that the United Nations will allocate $21 million from our Central Emergency Response Fund for the people of South Sudan,” he said.  “These much needed resources will provide protection and relief when it is needed most.”

He noted however, that this action was not sufficient as the country’s Humanitarian Response Plan is only three per cent funded and described the new allocation as “a paltry figure, even by today’s standards”.

“I hope that these funds will catalyse much more. Time lost means lives lost,” said Mr. Ban, who also met with members of the diplomatic corps in Juba. “I urge the international community to show its commitment to the people of South Sudan.”

Speaking to UN staff across the country earlier, the UN Secretary-General commended them for their strong commitment to peace and urged them to continue with genuine passion, compassion and commitment and leadership to the South Sudanese people.

He appealed to all parties to remove restrictions on the freedom of movement of United Nations personnel and humanitarian actors and to ensure access to people in need of protection and life-saving aid.