From Cup to Crop is our global food initiative - providing short-term food relief to those most in need, and working closely with communities to provide long-term sustainable solutions to the food crisis.
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Trucks loaded with food relief supplies for people in Pibor, South Sudan.
Updated: 24 January 2012
Plan is scaling up its relief food distribution in South Sudan as tribal violence continues to rage in the strife-torn Pibor County region.
Additional food supplies secured from the World Food Programme will allow Plan to reach 50,000 people through food distributions and increased food for education programs for children over the next two to three months.
Plan has an ongoing program in Pibor and Akobo in Jonglei state, where the organisation is responding to the emergency food needs of 4500 children through school feeding programs. This includes children affected by the inter-communal violence.
The latest round of fighting that broke out in late December between Lou Nuer and Murle communities - two of Jonglei state’s largest ethnic groups - has worsened the humanitarian situation.
According to the UN, in 2011 more than 1100 people lost their lives and some 63,000 people were displaced by inter-communal violence in the state.
There are fears that violence may worsen as Lou Nuer and Murle tribes prepare for revenge attacks that could lead to a protracted conflict. Reports have also emerged from the area suggesting a rise in abduction of children by warring tribes
"Aid agencies were already stretched before the latest clashes," said Fikru Abebe, Plan's Country Director in South Sudan. "Children are particularly vulnerable in the escalating situation and their needs must be met as a priority."
Plan's comprehensive response will address issues such as emotional support for affected people, particularly children, along with an emphasis on protecting children who are among the most vulnerable in emergency situations. Specialist staff are in the country to support the relief operation.
In Pibor alone more than 120,000 people are in need of humanitarian assistance, according to the UN Office for the Co-ordination of Humanitarian Affairs. Many areas are only accessible by air, and this coupled with the growing insecurity makes transportation of food relief from South Sudan’s capital, Juba, very challenging and an expensive operation for aid agencies.
"We are committed to continue expanding our relief to reach affected children as long as security prevails in Pibor and if UN agencies continue to fulfil their commitment to transport food from Juba to Pibor and Akobo," said Mr Abebe. "We support the development of a long-term strategy to guarantee safety of children and the affected community."
Plan is appealing for $US 880,000 to support its relief work. To support children affected by the South Sudan border conflict, donate to the Children in Crisis Fund online or call 13 75 26.
To speak to Fikru Abebe or Plan International Australia Programs Director Dave Husy, contact:
David Cook
Media Officer
Plan International Australia
Mobile: 0448 816 900
Email: David.cook@plan.org.au