BRUSSELS, Belgium, October 23, 2015/APO (African Press Organization)/ —
“Prevent a devastating crisis in South Sudan” says DROI Chair Elena Valenciano
In view of the plenary statement on the situation in South Sudan by the Vice-President of the Commission/High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy next Wednesday, 28 October, the Chair of the Subcommittee on Human Rights warns of the situation of the almost 4 million people in South Sudan who are at riskof starvation unless the international community takes urgent action and does not turn a blind eye to this part of the world.
“Even though the EU already provides one third of the total humanitarian aid in South Sudan, the UN appeal for 2015 is underfunded by 50%. I call on the Commission and the EU Member States to release more emergency food aid to avoid a famine catastrophe.
The South Sudanese government should grant humanitarian access without delay and end the incidence of violence, especially in Unity State where the situation is more than critical.
Furthermore, the South Sudanese government should implement the peace agreement reached earlier this year and be aware that those violating the agreement will be held responsible for their actions. In this context, I also welcome the African Union’s decision in the end to make public the reports of the Commission of Inquiry on South Sudan; equally, to establish the Hybrid Court of South Sudan in order to ensure justice and reconciliation for the South Sudanese people who continue to suffer terribly even after gaining their long-sought-after independence.” declared Ms Elena Valenciano.
