UN agency urges S. Sudan parties to bring killers of humanitarian workers to book

JUBA – The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) is urging South Sudan parties to the revitalized peace agreement to bring killers of humanitarian workers, who were killed weeks ago, to justice.

In recent weeks, security situation in many parts of South Sudan seems to be declining with the killing of at least two humanitarian staff in Jonglei state two weeks ago.

Three of the victims of the attack fled the ambush wounded.

They were murdered in cold blood while delivering critical nutrition services to vulnerable people affected by local conflicts and flooding.

Matthew Hollingworth, the WFP’s South Sudan County Director called for justice and protection for aid workers in the country.

“We are calling on all parties supported by the government to hold those people who have actually done that accountable, and ensure humanitarian workers in all sectors work safely and securely in all parts of the country,” Mathew said.

The senior humanitarian official said the killing of humanitarian workers is hampering the ability of humanitarian organizations to effectively deliver humanitarian support to those in need.

“There are areas of the country where some localized conflict is hampering or has hampered our ability to effectively, and constantly provide support over the last months,” he stressed.

Hollingworth further said they are deeply concerned about the killing those he said have committed themselves to serve their own population at this critical time.

“We are calling on all parties to respect the humanitarian workers wherever they are working in the country to enable them to do their work effectively,” he said.