“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. ” – International Development Minister in the Scottish Government Kaukab Stewart

Oxfam and Christian Aid are to share in funding of £250,000 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.

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.”

South Sudan is one of the world’s poorest countries. Hundreds of thousands of refugees are pouring across its border from its northern neighbour, Sudan, which has been in the grip of a major conflict between the government and the Rapid Support Forces since April 2023.

Those fleeing have described horrific experiences, including the use of sexual violence against women and girls.

As part of the ‘Grain from Ukraine’ humanitarian initiative launched by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy over 7,000 tonnes of wheat has been donated by Ukraine will help to feed one million conflict-affected people in Sudan for a month. The United Nations World Food Programme is working around the clock to urgently deliver critical food assistance to families who are struggling with skyrocketing food insecurity as fighting between rivalry military forces in Sudan enters a 10th month.