ReliefWeb

24 January 2012: Plan is increasing its food relief distribution in strife-torn Jonglei state, South Sudan, to reach 50,000 people over the next 3 months.

The scaled up response comes as the UN doubled the number of people in urgent need of aid in the state from 60,000 to 120,000.

Child focus

The additional relief supplies have been provided by the World Food Programme, enabling Plan to significantly increase its initial target of 14,000 people.

“Our efforts are focused on meeting food needs of children and communities. Nearly 1,600 metric tons of food rations will be distributed by Plan to reach 50,000 affected people,” said Fikru Abebe, Plan’s country director in South Sudan.

Thousands displaced

The latest round of retaliatory fighting between Lou Nuer and Murle communities - two of Jonglei’s largest ethnic groups, has made the humanitarian situation worse. According to the UN, in 2011, more than 1,100 people lost their lives, and some 63,000 people were displaced by inter-communal violence in the state.

“The capacities of the aid agencies were already stretched before the fresh clashes. Children are particularly vulnerable in the escalating situation and their needs must be met as a priority,” said Mr Abebe.

Comprehensive response

Plan will roll-out a comprehensive aid response which will address issues such as emotional support and child protection in emergencies.

“We are committed to continue expanding our relief to reach affected children as long as security prevails in Pibor and if UN agencies continue to fulfil their commitment to transport food from Juba to Pibor and Akobo,” said Mr Abebe.

"We support the development of a long-term strategy to guarantee safety of children and the affected community.”

Plan is appealing for US$3,000,000 to support its relief work in South Sudan, including US$ 880,000 for relief food distribution in Pibor.

Find out more about Plan’s work in South Sudan