AFRICA/SUDAN - More than 31,000 South Sudanese have left the country because of famine

Thursday, 2 March 2017

RD

Khartoum (Agenzia Fides) - Half of the expected number of refugees from South Sudan have already arrived in Sudan in the first two months of the year. The statement comes from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). According to official figures, over 31,000 South Sudanese refugees have left the Country, fleeing famine and conflict. The famine, which was announced officially by the Government and the United Nations on 20 February, is particularly serious in some areas of Unity State. The first estimates indicate that over 80% of the new arrivals are mostly women and children, including unaccompanied children and those separated from their families. They need immediate life-saving assistance.
New refugees are transported to places where they can receive food, water and shelter. They are given kitchen kits to meet their basic needs.
Representatives of the Sudanese National Umma Party have asked the Sudanese population of the areas bordering the country, to receive refugees fleeing the famine that is affecting part of the young country. Sudanese civil society organizations have launched an appeal to charitable organizations in Sudan, recognized by the State, to provide aid for South Sudan. According to the UNHCR, since the outbreak of the war nearly 330,000 South Sudanese refugees have fled due to war and food insecurity. (AP) (Agenzia Fides 02/03/2017)


Share: