– The humanitarian situation in Southern Sudan is deteriorating as a result of increasing hostilities in the country. As always, the civilian population is affected worst. The UN has asked for urgent help to deal with the emerging humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. Norway will contribute 50 million to this emergency appeal. We are following the situation closely and will consider additional contributions, said Norwegian Foreign Minister Børge Brende.

In its revised emergency appeal, the UN states that over a billion NOK to cover food, medicine and other humanitarian needs of those affected by the fighting in South Sudan. UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) reports that at least 90,000 people have been displaced in the last ten days. Many of these have sought refuge in or near the UN camps in South Sudan.

– It is positive that the UN has quickly made an appeal to meet immediate humanitarian needs in the wake of the fighting and unrest in South Sudan. This enables humanitarian organizations to help the victims of conflict. It is also important that the UN is present to protect civilians and ensure that aid reaches. Efforts to find a political solution to the conflict must continue unabated unless the situation can quickly deteriorate, says Brende.

Foreign Ministry disbursed in mid-December NOK 35 million in additional funding for the International Red Cross, the World Food Program and the NRC. These funds have been used in the relief effort in South Sudan. Norway also contributes through funds already allocated to the UN Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF).