Staving off hunger in the South Sudanese crisis

3.9 million people, or 34% of South Sudan's population, are facing food insecurity.

"I am gravely concerned by the continuing deterioration of the humanitarian situation. Eight months into the crisis over 1.5 million people have been displaced" – Minister Sherlock

South Sudan is one of the world’s newest nations, having gained independence in July 2011. But as the country enters its fourth year of independence, over one third of the country’s population are faced with the threat of famine.

To help ward off this threat, Minister of State, Sean Sherlock TD, has announced €1.5million for the UN Common Humanitarian Fund (UNCHF) in South Sudan. Through our support to the UNCHF, we will target those most at risk of food insecurity.

The threatening food crisis is resulting largely from the violence which broke out in the capital city, Juba in mid December 2013 and spread to many parts of the country.

"Hunger and malnutrition are on the rise with 3.9 million people, 34% of the total population, facing crisis and emergency food insecurity" - Minister Sherlock

The violence has forced over 1.5million people, more than one tenth of the population, from their homes, leaving many without access to their farms or jobs, placing them in an even more precarious situation.

The €1.5million funding which was announced today will be used to supply and deliver emergency stock such as food, clean water and basic sanitation and health equipment.

This additional funding brings Ireland’s assistance to those affected by the South Sudanese crisis to €6.5 million this year.