UN Condemns attack on aid workers in Duk County

“I express my shock and strongly condemn the deliberate and brutal attack on a clearly marked humanitarian convoy operated by the John Dau Foundation (JDF) yesterday in Duk County, Jonglei State,” the statement by the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan, Ramanathan Balakrishnan read.

The convoy, transporting humanitarian staff returning from an Action Against Hunger (ACF) training, was ambushed along the route between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam. The World Food Programme (WFP)’s partner, ACF, works with local partner JDF to deliver lifesaving assistance. Five humanitarian workers were killed in this senseless attack. Three JDF staff members and a driver sustained serious injuries. I am also deeply saddened by reports that civilians were killed and injured in the course of this violence.

I extend my heartfelt condolences to the families and loved ones of those killed, to the John Dau Foundation, and to the wider humanitarian community in South Sudan. I wish a swift and full recovery to those injured.

Humanitarian workers dedicate their lives to saving others and reaching people in desperate need. They must never be a target. Attacks against humanitarian personnel and clearly marked humanitarian assets are unacceptable, violate international humanitarian law, and undermine the foundation of humanitarian action.

Since January, 24 humanitarian workers and contractors have been killed while serving communities in need. Today’s attack claimed an additional five lives. This alarming trend underscores the increasingly dangerous environment for humanitarian operations in South Sudan and the urgent need to strengthen protection for aid workers.

I call on the relevant authorities to ensure a prompt, thorough, and impartial investigation into this attack, and to bring those responsible to justice. I also urge all parties to respect and protect humanitarian personnel, civilians, and humanitarian assets in accordance with international humanitarian law.

This attack further deprives vulnerable communities of essential assistance and is a stark reminder of the risks faced by humanitarian workers across the country. Despite this tragedy, the humanitarian community remains steadfast in its commitment to delivering life-saving assistance to the people of South Sudan. We stand in solidarity with our colleagues at the John Dau Foundation and honour the memory of those who lost their lives in service to others.