Humanitarian emergency funding for displaced people in
South Sudan and Ethiopia.
International Development Minister has pledged £250,000 in
Scottish Government funding for charities responding to the
ongoing conflict in Sudan and the impact on refugees in
neighbouring countries.
Oxfam and Christian Aid will receive funds from the Scottish
Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund (HEF) to assist
displaced people and their host communities in South Sudan and
Ethiopia with food and essentials.
Since the onset of the war in neighbouring Sudan last year, South
Sudan has witnessed an influx of over half a million people.
There are more than 930,000 refugees and asylum seekers in
Ethiopia, over 385,000 are South Sudanese living in the Gambella
region and facing challenges in meeting basic needs, leading to
increasing cases of malnutrition and diarrhoea.
Ms Stewart said:
"Our thoughts are with the thousands of refugees in South Sudan
struggling to survive and facing a bleak and uncertain future.
“This funding will play a crucial role in addressing the
immediate needs of those affected by conflict and the climate
crisis, including access to shelter, food, clean water, and
healthcare. It is imperative that we work with the international
community to alleviate their suffering and help them rebuild
their lives.
“The £250,000 funding pledge to aid charities responding to the
crisis through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund demonstrates
our commitment to providing essential assistance to people in
need.”
Head of Christian Aid Scotland Val Brown said:
“South Sudan is dealing with multiple shocks including acute food
insecurity and one of the world’s largest displacement crises. In
addition, many people have arrived in the country from
neighbouring Sudan, fleeing the conflict that started last April.
“We’re grateful for funding from the Scottish Government’s
Humanitarian Emergency Fund which will enable to us to reach 4000
people in the Wedweil Refugee Camp, Northern Bahr el Ghazal
State, so people can purchase food and essentials. There
will also be additional cash assistance for 400 vulnerable women
and girls to support their recovery and empowerment.”
Jamie Livingstone, Head of Oxfam Scotland said:
“The Scottish Government deserves significant credit for
allocating its small, but vital humanitarian funding not just to
high-profile emergencies like Gaza or Ukraine, but also to those
crises that unfold well away from the world’s attention – and the
refugee crisis resulting from the situation in South Sudan is a
stark example.
“Importantly, Oxfam is not only ensuring that water and
sanitation facilities in Gambella are safer and more accessible
to women and girls, and people with disabilities, but also
supporting local actors to take ownership over their ongoing
maintenance.
“This twin approach of inclusive and locally-led humanitarian
response, underpinned by safe programming, is critical to
ensuring refugees get the critical support they need.”
Background
The Humanitarian Emergency
Fund provides aid in the aftermath of a crisis.
The HEF panel is made up of eight leading humanitarian aid
organisations in Scotland who advise and access the fund: Mercy
Corps, Oxfam, British Red Cross, Islamic Relief, SCIAF, Christian
Aid, Tearfund and Save the Children.
Both Christian Aid and Oxfam will receive funding of £125,000.
