Secretary of State John Kerry announced nearly $138 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help the South Sudanese people who have suffered through almost three years of brutal fighting. This additional funding brings the total U.S. humanitarian contribution to more than $1.7 billion since the conflict began in December 2013.
The new funding – which will be provided through UN and non-governmental partners – includes nearly 58,000 metric tons of food aid and specialty nutrition products, along with emergency health and nutrition services, safe drinking water, hygiene supplies, and cholera treatment and prevention messaging to stem the current outbreak. USAID partners have also expanded medical and trauma support services for survivors of gender-based violence.
A recent outbreak of violence in Juba, broader insecurity throughout the country, and severe economic decline have worsened an already dire humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. Warring parties have terrorized and abused innocent civilians, especially women and girls. More than 2.5 million people have fled their homes-internally and to neighboring countries. Forty percent of the population now faces life-threatening hunger, with some people on the brink of famine. Food security conditions are at their worst since South Sudan gained independence in 2011.
“Our partners – most of whom are South Sudanese – risk their own personal safety to stand by the people of South Sudan in this time of great need. We commend their courage and dedication,” said Assistant Administrator for Democracy, Conflict, and Humanitarian Assistance David Harden. “Despite these efforts, no amount of assistance will end the violence or provide lasting solutions to this man-made crisis. We strongly urge the country’s leaders to put their people first, allow unfettered access to those in need, and ceaseviolations of humanitarian principles.”
In addition to $1.7 billion in humanitarian funding, the U.S. government also provides community level peace-building programs and long-term development assistance to the people of South Sudan, such as basic education and health services.
