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

NewsUN warns South Sudan refugees at risk as aid funding runs shortSouth Sudanese refugees walk in the Imvepi, Uganda, refugee settlement Friday March 31, 2017.   -   Copyright © africanews APBy Rédaction AfricanewsLast updated: 16/08 - 09:26UN expertsTwo 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 likeHaiti mourns victims of Kenscoff gang attack as fear grips community 3 minutes ago01:14Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 15 minutes ago01:10Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 37 minutes agoShareMore About UN experts Humanitarian aid Civil WarYou may also likeHaiti mourns victims of Kenscoff gang attack as fear grips community 3 minutes ago01:14Spain PM Pedro Sanchez rules out Moroccan role in Ceuta migrant surge 15 minutes ago01:10Algeria moves to restore death penalty for deliberate forest fires 37 minutes agoOn the same subjectNEWS01:02Aid cuts leave millions of Somali children facing hunger 24/08 - 12:32NEWS01:12UN flag at half-mast to honour humanitarian workers killed in line of duty 19/08 - 21:27NEWS00:49Ethiopia: Authorities in Tigray accuse Addis Ababa of drone strike near Mekelle 18/08 - 16:44NEWS01:43MSF warns of worsening malnutrition crisis among displaced children in Somalia 11/08 - 16:46NEWS01:47Sudan's civil war threatens ancient pyramids of Meroë 09/08 - 08:45NEWS01:54Aid organisation raises alarm about Paris migrants amid heatwave 04/08 - 16:52More stories01:25General Abdourahamane TchianiCalm returns to Niger's capital one day after failed army mutiny 7 hours ago01:02CoupVote counting underway in Guinea-Bissau referendum that could expand presidential powers 6 hours ago00:56United KingdomNotting Hill Carnival kicks off in a burst of colour and Caribbean tradition 2 hours agoRead the full article at Africanews