Oxfam reaction to Humanitarian Situation as extended Transition period starts
As the government in South Sudan enters into the extended period of the implementation of the Peace Agreement and the expiry of the mandate of UNMISS, Oxfam is calling on all political actors to take a bold stance against violence, displacement and actions that undermine people’s basic rights, in particular the right to protection as enshrined in the Transitional Constitution.
In reaction to the government of South Sudan extending Peace Agreement with all parties, Fati N'Zi-Hassane, Oxfam in Africa Director said:
“Oxfam welcomes this step and calls on actors to respect basic human rights of all South Sudanese, and to work together towards realising the safety and security of South Sudanese people in the remaining two years of an already delayed peace process”.
“Too many people have lost their lives or are forced to flee their homes as a result of the unabated violence. In January 2023 alone, 17,000 people in Pibor have been displaced due to the ongoing fighting. Clashes in Fashoda and central Equatoria have killed tens of people, and displaced thousands more.
“Today, over 6 million people are hungry, including a staggering 66,000 people experiencing famine-like conditions, many of which are women and children. They need food, not arms. They need peace, not fire.
“Only an inclusive peace that brings everyone together, and where women are at the negotiating table, is a lasting peace. The government and the international community must also step up support to help displaced people, and the hosting communities to rebuild their lives.”
- Oxfam’s mandate is to support every person in need, to access services, without discrimination where we are operating. We are committed to working with the extended South Sudan Transitional Government of National Unity, to support communities in need.
- Funding to South Sudan’s humanitarian response has continued to dwindle in recent years, with the 2022 appeal only raising just about 67% of $1.7 billion
- According to the 2022/2023 Humanitarian response plan, over 7-million South Sudanese (more than 55% of the population) are projected to be in need of food assistance.
- Currently, Oxfam is scaling up its emergence response to fight hunger in areas of programming. Following recent release of the IPC results, more than 8-million people are in need of humanitarian assistance to access food. These areas are part of the priority locations for the organisation’s intervention. Oxfam has been working in South Sudan for over 30 years, with a footprint in at least six sates.
- Currently Oxfam supports over 500,000 people in South Sudan with humanitarian assistance including clean water, hygiene facilities, food, fuel and income support. We continue to streamline programs with a gender transformative approach to delivering of much needed assistance Akobo, Pibor, Rumbek, Yirol , Lankien, Pibor, amongst others. Through our resilience programs, communities have eked their way back through livelihood and skills development programs.
Regional Media and Communication Advisor, Horn, East and Central Africa region