South Sudan Peace Deal Anniversary

Humanitarian crisis deteriorates, sustainable peace elusive, according to World Vision

MISSISSAUGA, ON, Aug. 26, 2016 /CNW/ - South Sudan continues to be threatened by violence, mass internal displacement and extreme food insecurity one year after it signed a peace deal to end 20-months of conflict, according to World Vision.

International funding needs to increase in order to properly address the ongoing crisis in South Sudan as humanitarian operations continue to be hampered by a major funding shortfall, with the current appeal only funded at 41%, according to the international development agency.

HOPE FOR THE FUTURE

Despite recent challenges, great work is being done by the international community to help the world's most vulnerable people. World Vision continues to provide life-saving assistance to vulnerable children and families in South Sudan. Since 2015 the international aid organisation has reached 1.3 million South Sudanese, half of which are children. As one of the first emergency responders to the July conflict, World Vision reached thousands by providing relief items such as blankets, sleeping mats, high energy biscuits and treatment for malnourished children. Canadians can help provide emergency assistance to South Sudan through World Vision's Raw Hope program.

QUOTES
Perry Mansfield, Director of World Vision South Sudan
"Even before the violence broke out in July, South Sudan was already facing wide-spread food insecurity and malnutrition with a risk of famine growing in several parts of the country. As always, it is children who suffer most."
"The South Sudanese have great potential to improve their own lives. However, for this to happen, peace is the basic requirement and it is important for all stakeholders to support and contribute efforts towards a more peaceful environment from which individuals and communities can build trust and reconciliation in South Sudan."
"The people of South Sudan have shown great resilience in the midst of very difficult times and I am sure that with sustained peace, they are able to rise above the challenges they are facing."

Michael Messenger, President of World Vision Canada:
"When I visited South Sudan last year, it was amazing to experience the very real hope people had for peace. This was contrasted to my shock at how many children were living in the margins and how many families are food insecure. As South Sudan marks a year since the last peace agreement, the situation remains fragile with the potential for deterioration - urgent and sustained help is still needed. We can't let this become a forgotten crisis. I urge Canada to put a greater priority on fragile countries like South Sudan so that not only life-saving assistance is ensured but also community transformation that leads to lasting peace."

Johnson, UN Protection of Civilian site resident:
"Life at the PoC is safer, but it is not good. There is no place to go and, as a South Sudanese, I live in constant fear of getting killed. I can't move freely and the situation in the country is deteriorating on all levels."

QUICK FACTS

• 4.8 million South Sudanese will face severe food shortages in the coming months, up from 4.3 million in April. This is the highest level of hunger since the conflict started in South Sudan two-and-a-half-years ago.
• 10,000+ civilians have been killed since December 2013,
• 2.5 million displaced people, up from 2.2 million last year
• 100,000+ children treated for malnutrition in 2016, up 40% year over year, and up 150% since 2014
• Inflation rate of 600% following renewed conflict in July, up from 300%

RESOURCES
Photos of World Vision's emergency response in South Sudan: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/cfanouoyc0vj3oe/AABAO6czVExXOeVtQNBbs8k7a?dl=0
B-roll footage can be provided on request

World Vision is a relief, development, and advocacy organization working to create lasting change in the lives of children, families, and communities to overcome poverty and injustice. Inspired by our Christian values, World Vision is dedicated to working with the world's most vulnerable people regardless of religion, race, ethnicity, or gender. Visit our News Centre at worldvision.ca

SOURCE World Vision Canada

Image with caption: "Eight-year-old Choul Baping says he is scared that new fighting will break out and that for him peace in South Sudan means safety. CREDIT: Steph Glinski/World Vision (CNW Group/World Vision Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20160826_C6522_PHOTO_EN_760459.jpg

For interviews contact: Chelsea MacLachlan: 647-447-4334 or [email protected]