UN Urges Humanitarian Access in South Sudan

A senior UN official in South Sudan on Friday called on warring parties in the country to allow unhindered humanitarian access to its citizens who are in desperate need across the country.
The UN Special Representative to the Secretary-General for South Sudan, David Shearer said humanitarian agencies and the United Nations in South Sudan, who want to reach the people in need, are repeatedly refused access by local authorities. "South Sudan's political leadership needs to support its own citizens, who are in desperate need across the country and cease hostilities," Shearer said in a statement issued in Juba. 
He said a complete cessation of hostilities is urgently needed to end the suffering of the South Sudanese people. "Those affected by the humanitarian crisis are still citizens of this young country, and they deserve protection. But the constant fighting shows they are getting none. Instead, they are bearing the brunt," Shearer said. 
The UN official's call follows a series of recent events which have hampered humanitarian operations and placed civilians at risk. The UN humanitarian agencies declared a famine situation affecting around 100,000 people in parts of the former Unity State on Feb. 20.

Source: QNA