U.N. relief chief Tom Fletcher warned Friday that South Sudan is at risk of sliding into famine amid escalating conflict, rising hunger and dwindling international support.
Briefing the United Nations Security Council by video link, Fletcher described a worsening crisis following a recent visit to the country, where many people expressed a sense of “despair and abandonment.”
“The world’s youngest nation stands at a dangerous crossroads,” he said.
“Conflict up. Displacement up. Hunger up. Disease up. Attacks on aid workers up. Funding down.”
Fletcher said two out of every three people in South Sudan will need humanitarian assistance this year. Despite the scale of need, the $1.46 billion humanitarian response plan is only 22% funded.
He warned that without urgent action, conditions could deteriorate further.
“I fear my next briefing to you on South Sudan will speak of famine. More than 7.5 million people will need food assistance this year,” Fletcher said.
To avert famine and a broader collapse, Fletcher urged the council to act in three areas: ensuring rapid and unhindered humanitarian access, increasing flexible funding, and pressing all parties to respect international humanitarian law.
He also stressed the need for a political solution, calling for renewed efforts to uphold ceasefire agreements and implement the country’s revitalized peace deal.
“Humanitarian action can save lives, but only peace can end this crisis,” he said.
and then