The UN’s humanitarian “Operation Lifeline Sudan” has launched an emergency operation to assist up to 100,000 civilians displaced by recent fighting in the southern part of the country.

The displaced have moved into Bahr el Ghazal from the Western Upper Nile region due to fighting that started in June. They have been forced to walk for at least three days and it is estimated that up to 50% of the displaced are children.

Kenzo Oshima, the UN’s Emergency Relief Coordinator, says, “Once more we emphasize our serious concern for civilians who have been caught up in the fighting. We urge both sides to allow humanitarian access to those in need. Both sides should ensure that their armed forces make every effort to protect civilians.”

Mr. Oshima also expressed concern regarding the impact of the heavy fighting on civilians, which has taken place around Torit in southeastern Sudan.

Operation Lifeline Sudan (OLS) -- a consortium of UNICEF and the World Food Programme as well as more than 35 non-governmental organizations -– is targeting some 3 million people in need of humanitarian aid in southern Sudan.

seen at 12:00, 4 September in Spokesman for the UN Secretary General. Email this to a friend.
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