Plan EU: South Sudan must not be forgotten

The world's youngest nation is being entrenched in a power struggle and aid workers fear a humanitarian disaster is looming. As the conflict skyrockets, the United Nations declares the crisis a ‘level 3 emergency’ and calculates that around 3.7 million people risk hunger. South Sudanese population flees their residence to leave food and water shortages behind, or is being violently displaced. Meanwhile, organisations in the field urge donors and philanthropists worldwide not to turn away from this crisis.

An African proverb says that “when two elephants are fighting, it is the grass that suffers”. In the case of South Sudan, one could make a frightening correlation: the 'grass' is more than 800,000 poor people who have fled their homes or have been violently displaced. An increasing number of people - now almost 150,000 - have sought refuge with their neighbours Uganda, Sudan, Ethiopia and Kenya.

Concerns grow about the children, as they are most affected within such contexts. “Many children have been separated from families and caregivers, which makes them more vulnerable to violence, trafficking and abuse,” explained Plan’s Regional Director for Eastern and Southern Africa Roland Angerer. Ensuring child protection, alongside access to food, water, sanitation, education, and the provision of emotional support, is thus a key priority.

If looking to the near future and how the country might appear to next generations, prospects do not seem promising. In the words of Angerer: “While the current numbers of displaced people and refugees are already shocking, the real humanitarian disaster is looming in the near future. If these people cannot go back to their fields by March or April when the rains are supposed to start, they will lose their opportunity to grow food to feed themselves and produce food for the market.”

A ‘major sudden onset humanitarian crisis’

A three level emergency is defined as “a major sudden onset humanitarian crisis triggered by natural disasters or conflict which requires system-wide mobilization”. The South Sudan crisis has been raised to this level by UN Undersecretary General for Humanitarian Affairs Valerie Amos. This announcement sheds light on the extent of the crisis. It will also fast-track administrative procedures for the humanitarian response as well as help trigger more resources from UN agencies and NGOs working in the field.

International donors have been helpful in the past months, but aid workers witness how the world begins to shift its focus from South Sudan in the least appropriate moment. “The UN’s declaration should serve as a wakeup call for donors to mobilize urgent support for South Sudan. Donors need to be generous. The plight of children and others impacted by the conflict in South Sudan call for their urgent attention,” said Plan International’s Head of Disaster Response and Preparedness Unni Krishnan.

EC support: Can we count on it?

As armed violence emerged in mid-December 2013, the European Commission (EC) made available some €50 million in order to tackle the intensifying humanitarian crisis in the country. This support –in addition to the 2012-2013 allocation worth €160 million- includes assistance for internally displaced people, refugees, local host communities and returnees. Most EC humanitarian funds target basic health care, clean water, sanitation and food assistance, though special attention is given to schemes aimed at building the resilience of communities to shocks that cause humanitarian distress.

Yet, humanitarian needs are growing and now is a crucial time to help. Emphasising the support given by the EC so far, Alexandra Makaroff, Head of Plan EU Office, stresses: “Given the gravity and the stage of this crisis, we need to keep counting on EU’s assistance. South Sudanese children and their families need help most now.”

Tackle today, avoid the worst tomorrow

Despite an agreement signed on 23 January for the cessation of hostilities, violations of the deal by both sides have since been reported. Markets and food production systems in the country have been hit, and repercussions are expected to be felt in the coming months, and even years. That makes the situation all the more complex, but also reminds us to act immediately, before the situation escalates to the point of no-return. If most efforts are not made now, the last months will just be the beginning of a major calamity, ending up in a famine in 2015.

The future of South Sudan, and its children, is at stake.

Plan EU Office

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