Aid operations restricted in South Sudan as humanitarian workers face rising risks
Credit: Radar Africa
Humanitarian operations in parts of South Sudan faced restrictions, detention, searches and vehicle hijackings in August, disrupting aid delivery and raising concerns over the safety of aid workers and access to communities in need.
According to Insecurity Insight’s Aid in Danger News Brief covering Aug. 19-31, Norwegian Refugee Council operations in Tambura County, Western Equatoria state, were restricted by an unspecified conflict party between Aug. 14 and 27. The restrictions disrupted assistance to about 2,500 people.
During the same period, a national nongovernmental organization staff member in Ibba County, Western Equatoria, was reportedly detained and threatened by an unspecified conflict party, the report said.
In Central Equatoria state, a United Nations agency convoy was searched and a humanitarian vehicle was hijacked during the reporting period, according to the brief, which cited the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs.
The incidents are part of a broader pattern of threats and violence affecting aid workers, humanitarian operations and the delivery of assistance in conflict-affected areas, Insecurity Insight said. The organization cautioned that its incident list is not complete or representative of all events affecting aid delivery and that figures may change as additional reports are verified.
The report also documented attacks affecting humanitarian operations in other conflict zones.
In Sudan, two truckloads carrying 50 metric tons of World Food Programme food aid were destroyed in an aerial attack near Dilling in South Kordofan on Aug. 30. The food, including cereals, yellow split peas, vegetable oil and salt, was intended to assist about 5,800 people for one month. One person was reportedly killed and two drivers injured.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, three Red Cross volunteers involved in Ebola response activities were attacked and injured in Beni on Aug. 19, disrupting emergency health and humanitarian services. Equipment was also destroyed, the report said.
The brief also reported attacks and damage to humanitarian facilities and supplies in Ukraine, Gaza and the West Bank, highlighting the growing risks facing aid workers and the infrastructure used to deliver assistance.
Insecurity Insight said humanitarian work has become increasingly dangerous, with local and national frontline workers accounting for an estimated 80% to 90% of people affected by critical incidents.
The organization said local groups often have fewer resources and options to mitigate security risks or respond after incidents.The organization said its monitoring is based on open-source reports and verified security incidents submitted by partner agencies, with data subject to updates as new information becomes available.
