The president of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC),
Peter Maurer, has begun a visit to South Sudan to assess the humanitarian
situation and to study the ICRC's response. Mr Maurer, who arrived in Juba
today, will conclude his visit on 9 January.
The
president will visit people forced by the violence to flee their homes and will
meet with government officials and representatives of humanitarian
organizations, including the South Sudan Red Cross. He will focus on the
suffering and distress caused by the conflict in South Sudan and on the ICRC's
work to meet people's needs.
"We're
very concerned about the effects on the civilian population," said Mr
Maurer upon his arrival. "Tens of thousands have fled and continue to flee
the fighting and there are urgent needs in many parts of the country. We're
particularly alarmed by violence directed against civilians and against people
no longer taking part in the hostilities. We call on the parties to the
conflict in South Sudan to do their utmost to ensure these people are
spared."
ICRC
staff are working in many affected areas of the country. From the first clashes
on 15 December, the ICRC has been supporting medical facilities by providing
them with urgently needed supplies and has treated wounded people. To date it
has distributed food and other essential items to over 50,000 people.
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