Local EU statement regarding malnutrition and food insecurity in South Sudan

The Delegation of the European Union to South Sudan issues the following statement together with the Embassies of Germany, France and the Netherlands:

We express great concern over the grave malnutrition and food insecurity levels in South Sudan, highlighted by the recently released Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) analysis. This issue requires urgent action, first and foremost by the transitional government and the parties involved in the fighting with the aim to protect vulnerable populations and prevent further deterioration.

The IPC confirms that the ongoing conflict is the main driver of this humanitarian crisis. The situation in Jonglei and Upper Nile has been particularly dire, resulting in forced displacement and the targeting of health facilities. Severely restricted access led to prolonged periods without lifesaving humanitarian aid reaching its intended beneficiaries. This year has also been marked by heightened security incidents, impacting the safety of humanitarian workers.

We urge the transitional government, the parties to the peace agreement and all armed groups to immediately end the fighting and, at the very least, restore safe and unimpeded humanitarian access. While recent improvements in humanitarian access are encouraging, they must be expanded and sustained, ensuring the protection of humanitarian personnel and assets in accordance with international humanitarian law. The delivery of humanitarian assistance and protection services must be enabled in all areas where needs are identified in line with the humanitarian principles of neutrality and impartiality.