USA announces $86 million humanitarian assistance for South Sudan
United States Announces Additional Humanitarian Assistance for the People of South Sudan
Media Note
Office of the Spokesperson
Washington, DC
April 27, 2016
April 27, 2016 (SSB) —- The United States today announced more than $86 million in additional humanitarian assistance to help conflict-affected people in South Sudan, as well as South Sudanese refugees in the region.
This new funding will provide much-needed safe drinking water, emergency health care, nutrition services, shelter, improved sanitation facilities, agricultural training, and seeds, tools, and fishing supplies for the most vulnerable families and communities. These include internally displaced persons both within and outside of UN Protection of Civilians sites, refugees seeking asylum in South Sudan, and South Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries. The U.S. Government is also supporting clinical and psychological treatment for survivors of gender-based violence, as well as the transport of life-saving supplies and aid workers to ensure that people who are living in remote and hard-to-reach areas quickly receive assistance.
For more than two years, the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance has been seriously disrupted by the denial of movement and access perpetrated by all parties to the conflict. As we anticipate the quick formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity and a renewed commitment to the implementation of the peace agreement, the United States expects a fundamental shift in the relationship with the humanitarian community. Specifically, we expect the transitional government to adhere to core humanitarian principles and to change past policy and practice to ensure aid reaches those in need without regard to ethnic or political discrimination. We furthermore expect the transitional government to take action to prevent the extortion, theft, and physical harm of aid workers. Leaders must also allow full freedom of movement for all civilians.
This new assistance announced today underscores the long-standing commitment of the American people to the people of South Sudan. The United States is the single largest donor of humanitarian assistance to South Sudan. This additional funding raises the total of U.S. humanitarian aid to nearly $1.6 billion since the start of the current conflict in December 2013.
US Ambassador to South Sudan, Ambassador Molly Phee: The United States welcomes progress in implementing peace deal
Informal transcript of remarks by Ambassador Molly Phee to Eye Radio, April 26:
Thousands of people have died and millions of others are outside their homes or even outside the country because of war and insecurity, and, of course everyone is aware now of the terrible problems with the economy. So it is not a day for jubilation that we saw, let’s say, in 2005 and in 2011, but it is a day for South Sudanese to be grateful that they have a second chance. They can start again and have a unified country that can develop and bring prosperity and safety for all of its citizens.
The most important thing the President said, in my view, is his apology to the people of South Sudan. He also pledged his personal effort to work with the First Vice President and he called on all members of the government, in the executive branch and in the legislature, to work together to begin to repair the damage done and to turn a new page for the future. The President also acknowledged, which all of the people understand quite well, that you have fallen into a very deep hole and it will take some time to come out. So there will not be an immediate solution. So we ask for the patience to work together to fix your problems.
You have a great future in front of you. It won’t be realized tomorrow. But if you work hard and take the second chance – and that is the responsibility of every citizen in South Sudan to take the second chance – I am confident you will succeed.
First and foremost, reconciliation must come from the hearts of the people of South Sudan, and you have a great tradition of leadership from church leaders and mosque leaders who can help you in the process. So I believe that is possible. We the United States are supporting the South Sudan Council of Churches to work on reconciliation and I think you should follow the example set by your leaders today in reconciliation. And may I say congratulations to the people of South Sudan today and best of luck.
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