UN warns South Sudan refugees at risk as aid funding runs short

News UN warns South Sudan refugees at risk as aid funding runs short South Sudanese refugees walk in the Imvepi, Uganda, refugee settlement Friday March 31, 2017.   -   Copyright © africanews AP By Rédaction Africanews Last updated: 16/08 - 09:26 UN experts Two United Nations agencies warned on Friday that hundreds of thousands of refugees in South Sudan are at risk of losing much needed humanitarian assistance due to a lack of funding. WFP (World Food Programme) and the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said in a joint statement that more than 650,000 refugees who fled from neighboring countries are likely to be cut out from aid. “Without immediate funding, assistance for more than 650,000 refugees will be reduced, putting lives and futures at risk. This could mean fewer food rations, reduced nutrition support for children and mothers,” said Adham Effendi, WFP Deputy Country Director for South Sudan. WFP says food aid is essential for many children who arrive at refugee centers already undernourished. Up to 3,000 refugees and returnees continue to arrive in South Sudan from neighboring Sudan each week, the WFP estimates, forced by continuing fighting across the region. “Needs are rising faster than resources,” said Effendi. WFP said that they were already forced to make choices and give priority to the most vulnerable people who are currently receiving half the full food ration. The agency said it needs $37 million to fill the gap, as well as $258 million to guarantee assistance for the rest of 2026. You may also like Haiti mourns victims of Kenscoff gang attack as fear grips community 3 minutes ago 01:14 Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 15 minutes ago 01:10 Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 37 minutes ago Share More About UN experts Humanitarian aid Civil War You may also like Haiti mourns victims of Kenscoff gang attack as fear grips community 3 minutes ago 01:14 Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 15 minutes ago 01:10 Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 37 minutes ago On the same subject NEWS 01:02 Aid cuts leave millions of Somali children facing hunger 24/08 - 12:32 NEWS 01:12 UN flag at half-mast to honour humanitarian workers killed in line of duty 19/08 - 21:27 NEWS 00:49 Ethiopia: Authorities in Tigray accuse Addis Ababa of drone strike near Mekelle 18/08 - 16:44 NEWS 01:43 MSF warns of worsening malnutrition crisis among displaced children in Somalia 11/08 - 16:46 NEWS 01:47 Sudan's civil war threatens ancient pyramids of Meroë 09/08 - 08:45 NEWS 01:54 Aid organisation raises alarm about Paris migrants amid heatwave 04/08 - 16:52 More stories 01:25 General Abdourahamane Tchiani Calm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 7 hours ago 01:02 Coup Vote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 6 hours ago 00:56 United Kingdom Notting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours ago