Growing humanitarian impact of the political crisis in South Sudan: Oxfam response

Responding to the growing humanitarian impact of the political crisis in South Sudan, Emma Drew, Oxfam's South Sudan Acting Country Director said from Juba:

"Oxfam is concerned about the growing humanitarian needs in Awerial, Lakes State, for the 75,000 people who have fled from the conflict in Jonglei. We have deployed a rapid response team today to urgently support in the delivery of clean water, construction of latrines, and public health promotion.

"We ask all political leaders who have begun talks today in Ethiopia to urgently agree to halt the violence and work actively towards resolution of the crisis. Oxfam strongly condemns the use of violent force against civilians and requests South Sudanese security forces and other armed groups to respect human rights of all its people regardless of ethnic origin. We call on all parties to protect and respect humanitarian activities."