The Embassies of Canada, France, Germany, Japan, Kenya, the Netherlands, Norway, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America, as well as the Delegation of the European Union, on Thursday, condemned in the strongest terms the recent killings of humanitarian workers in South Sudan.
A joint press statement extended to this publication said that on 7 February, a staff member of a national implementer for UNICEF-supported projects was killed in Baliet County, while on the morning of 16 February, a WFP private contractor working as a Drop Zone Coordinator was murdered in Ngueny, Nasir County, Upper Nile State.
The statement further said that on 13 February, armed assailants murdered an IMA World Health nurse at his home in Wunbiem, Ayod County, Jonglei State.
“These heinous attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable, as are the high risks to which those seeking to help the South Sudanese people have long been exposed,” the statement reads in part. “The Embassies call on the transitional government to take immediate action to end the escalating conflict, prevent further targeting of humanitarian personnel, hold perpetrators accountable, and ensure the safety of those providing life-saving assistance to the South Sudanese people.”
“We renew our call for the transitional government to prioritize peace and take urgent steps to prevent further escalation of violence,” the statement added.
The foreign missions expressed their deepest condolences to the families and the colleagues of the victims.