Violence will turn back the clock in southern Sudan

Plan's Fikru Abebe says this referendum is a defining moment in southern Sudan's history.

A return to violence for southern Sudan will have grave consequences for the future of its children in the lead-up to Sunday’s referendum.

Plan's Director in southern Sudan, Fikru Abebe, said: "The referendum is a defining moment in southern Sudan's history, but it is imperative that no matter what the outcome, people do not live in fear of a return to violence.

"After years of war and uncertainty, the people of southern Sudan are now looking forward to determining their own future and a return to violence would undo the excellent work that the Government and communities have achieved here."

Plan International welcomes the positive steps taken by the Government of Southern Sudan and recent comments from the President of Sudan about respecting the outcome of the referendum and promoting a harmonious future.

Our Disaster Response Manager, Rohan Kent, is currently in Juba, the capital of southern Sudan.

"Plan has been working closely with the Government, donors and communities here in southern Sudan to rehabilitate and expand technical and vocational training institutes for young people," said Mr Kent. "This includes reintegrating children affected by armed conflict into communities through skills training and support for job placement as part of peace-building initiatives.

"Regardless of the outcome of the referendum, it is crucial that young people continue to be given the opportunity to develop their skills and help build the future of this part of Sudan. Any return to violence would put this at great risk."

Plan International is calling on all actors to avoid at all costs any further instability in the country and region. Instability and violence would lead to children dropping out of formal education and would leave many at risk of being engaged in and/or caught up in the conflict.

An estimated 1.5 million southern Sudanese are currently on the move, returning to southern Sudan in anticipation of the referendum results, and this large influx is highly likely to place added pressure on services and communities.

"Plan has developed a contingency plan so we will be able to respond quickly to any humanitarian needs that may result from this massive movement of people," said Mr Kent.

“Our experienced team in southern Sudan is monitoring the situation and is ready to respond. We will also increase all areas of our current work, which includes child protection, psychosocial work and education in disasters.”

For more details on Plan's work in Sudan, interviews with Rohan Kent or Fikru Abebe, video footage, case studies and pictures, please contact David Cook or Louise Finan on the details below:

In Australia:
David Cook
Media Officer
Plan International Australia
Mobile: 0448 816 900
Email: david.cook@plan.org.au

In London:
Louise Finan
Press Officer
Plan International
Mobile: +44 (0)77080 98288
Email: louise.finan@plan-international
Skype: louisefinan