0
Saturday 19 August 2017 - 13:10

Attacks on aid workers increasing in South Sudan: UN

Story Code : 662516
Sudanese workers offload US aid destined for South Sudan from the World Food Programme (WFP) at Port Sudan on March 19, 2017. (Photo by AFP)
Sudanese workers offload US aid destined for South Sudan from the World Food Programme (WFP) at Port Sudan on March 19, 2017. (Photo by AFP)
A statement by the humanitarian coordinator there, Serge Tissot, says the attacks also put millions of South Sudanese in peril amid the country's civil war. Millions face severe hunger.
 
The world's youngest nation has become one of the most dangerous places for aid workers to operate. Eighty-two have been killed since 2013, including 15 this year. Many are local workers.
 
The UN says attacks include the looting of warehouses and trucks and the loss of tons of food aid.
 
The world body has repeatedly asked South Sudan's government to better protect aid workers and let them do their jobs without restrictions.
 
Government spokesman Ateny Wek Ateny says it is "unbecoming" to think authorities are targeting aid workers.
Comment