Humanitarian Coordinator Calls For Protection Of Civilians In And Around Aburoc
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Elisabeth Janaina
May 2, 2017, 12:56:12 PM5/2/17
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Humanitarian Coordinator Calls For Protection Of Civilians In And Around Aburoc
The Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for South Sudan, Serge Tissot,
has demanded that parties to the South Sudan conflict uphold their
responsibilities to protect thousands of Shilluk civilians sheltering
in and around Aburoc.
02 May 2017
Humanitarian Coordinator Calls For Protection Of Civilians In And Around Aburoc
Thousands of civilians have arrived into Aburoc, South Sudan,
following the resumption of the government offensive and clashes along
the West Bank of the Nile River. [Photo credit: OCHA/Gemma Connell]
Report from Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan
JUBA, 01 May 2017[Gurtong]- This follows the resumption of the
government offensive and clashes in several locations on the West Bank
in Upper Nile last week.
“Civilians in Aburoc are living in fear, not knowing what each day
will bring,” said Mr. Tissot. “I call on the Government to respect the
civilian nature of these settlements and ensure they are not subject
to attacks, and call on the opposition forces to ensure that areas
highly populated by civilians are, and remain, demilitarised.”
Thousands of civilians have arrived into Aburoc in recent days. Many
have walked for days on foot–without access to sufficient water due to
conflict along the River Nile– and are arriving exhausted and weak.
Thousands are reportedly now moving toward Sudan out of fear of
potential future attacks. Prices are exorbitant and transport is
inadequate, so many people are having to walk.
“The first priority for civilians in Aburoc is, of course, their
protection," said Mr. Tissot. “Many are fleeing to Sudan, and our
colleagues on the other side of the border will do all that is
possible to assist them. However, it is entirely unacceptable that
they are being forced to flee their home land.”
On 23 and 24 April, humanitarian organizations relocated staff from
Kodok and Aburoc amidst the spread of conflict on the West Bank.
Several courageous local staff remain in the community and are doing
all they can to assist people in need. However, key humanitarian
assets were looted by opposition forces and other actors in recent
days.
“I demand the immediate return of all looted humanitarian assets in
Aburoc, which are absolutely vital to life-saving humanitarian action.
Without these assets, we are unable to operate in this area, which is
very remote and incredibly logistically challenging. ” said Mr.
Tissot. “I also demand immediate guarantees from authorities that they
will ensure the safety and security of humanitarian staff and assets
and respect humanitarian space. We are outraged that humanitarians are
again having to condemn unacceptable actions by authorities which
ultimately increase the suffering of people in dire need.”
Humanitarians are exploring all feasible options to provide assistance
to those fleeing the fighting but are facing major challenges,
including lack of fuel in the area. An interagency team visited Aburoc
on 29 April to see the situation first-hand and the Central Emergency
Response Fund (CERF) recently released funds that will support the
scaleup of emergency operations in locations where civilians are
arriving.
“This operation is the true definition of life-saving,” said Mr.
Tissot. “I therefore call on both parties to ensure immediate, free
and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians, wherever they may
flee, including for trucks to safely access the river and carry water
to locations where IDPs are sheltering.”
Posted in: Home, Humanitarian
The Humanitarian Coordinator ad interim for South Sudan, Serge Tissot,
has demanded that parties to the South Sudan conflict uphold their
responsibilities to protect thousands of Shilluk civilians sheltering
in and around Aburoc.
02 May 2017
Humanitarian Coordinator Calls For Protection Of Civilians In And Around Aburoc
Thousands of civilians have arrived into Aburoc, South Sudan,
following the resumption of the government offensive and clashes along
the West Bank of the Nile River. [Photo credit: OCHA/Gemma Connell]
Report from Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan
JUBA, 01 May 2017[Gurtong]- This follows the resumption of the
government offensive and clashes in several locations on the West Bank
in Upper Nile last week.
“Civilians in Aburoc are living in fear, not knowing what each day
will bring,” said Mr. Tissot. “I call on the Government to respect the
civilian nature of these settlements and ensure they are not subject
to attacks, and call on the opposition forces to ensure that areas
highly populated by civilians are, and remain, demilitarised.”
Thousands of civilians have arrived into Aburoc in recent days. Many
have walked for days on foot–without access to sufficient water due to
conflict along the River Nile– and are arriving exhausted and weak.
Thousands are reportedly now moving toward Sudan out of fear of
potential future attacks. Prices are exorbitant and transport is
inadequate, so many people are having to walk.
“The first priority for civilians in Aburoc is, of course, their
protection," said Mr. Tissot. “Many are fleeing to Sudan, and our
colleagues on the other side of the border will do all that is
possible to assist them. However, it is entirely unacceptable that
they are being forced to flee their home land.”
On 23 and 24 April, humanitarian organizations relocated staff from
Kodok and Aburoc amidst the spread of conflict on the West Bank.
Several courageous local staff remain in the community and are doing
all they can to assist people in need. However, key humanitarian
assets were looted by opposition forces and other actors in recent
days.
“I demand the immediate return of all looted humanitarian assets in
Aburoc, which are absolutely vital to life-saving humanitarian action.
Without these assets, we are unable to operate in this area, which is
very remote and incredibly logistically challenging. ” said Mr.
Tissot. “I also demand immediate guarantees from authorities that they
will ensure the safety and security of humanitarian staff and assets
and respect humanitarian space. We are outraged that humanitarians are
again having to condemn unacceptable actions by authorities which
ultimately increase the suffering of people in dire need.”
Humanitarians are exploring all feasible options to provide assistance
to those fleeing the fighting but are facing major challenges,
including lack of fuel in the area. An interagency team visited Aburoc
on 29 April to see the situation first-hand and the Central Emergency
Response Fund (CERF) recently released funds that will support the
scaleup of emergency operations in locations where civilians are
arriving.
“This operation is the true definition of life-saving,” said Mr.
Tissot. “I therefore call on both parties to ensure immediate, free
and unhindered humanitarian access to civilians, wherever they may
flee, including for trucks to safely access the river and carry water
to locations where IDPs are sheltering.”
Posted in: Home, Humanitarian
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