By Taban Gabriel
King News-22nd August 2024 – On Thursday, the UK’s Minister of Development and Minister for Women and Equalities, Anneliese Dodds, announced a £74 million humanitarian aid package for South Sudan at the conclusion of her three-day visit to the country.
According to a press release from the UK Embassy in Juba, this funding aims to combat famine, protect women and girls, and rebuild livelihoods for displaced communities, including those fleeing violence in Sudan.
The Minister made this announcement during her visit to the Bentiu Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Unity State.
“The Camp I visited is also on the frontline of the climate crisis, following unprecedented flooding that threatens to overwhelm over 100,000 displaced people who are already facing acute hunger and needs,” the Minister said
“The Heartbreaking accounts I heard from those who were forced to flee the civil war in the neighboring Sudan hit home, the urgent need to support those fleeing the conflict,” she added.
Minister Dodds, in her statement, “Pressed for a meaningful progress towards a stable, safe and democratic South Sudan,” while meeting with the First Vice President and the Minister of Foreign Affairs in Juba.
“Meaningful political progress is essential to ensure peace and stability, to address the growing humanitarian needs across the country,” she added.
The Director General of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Amy Pope, thanked the UK minister while reacting to the announcement.
“We welcome the much-needed attention the United Kingdom is bringing to the displaced people in South Sudan, where already fragile communities are facing the extreme impact of climate change alongside a large influx of refugees and returnees escaping the war across the border in Sudan,” Amy Pope continued.
“Since these multiple crises began, IOM has been responding to the mounting humanitarian needs of displaced populations in the region. While the needs are vast, these additional resources will help us save lives and provide practical solutions by scaling up life-saving transportation assistance, healthcare, provision of water, sanitation, hygiene, shelter, and specific support for victims and survivors of gender-based violence,”
The visit by the UK’s high-profile official ended on the 21st of August, 2024.