humanitarian

South Sudan is facing its most violent year since the end of the civil war in 2005, international agency Oxfam warned today, and it urged the UN Security Council, as it visits the region, to ensure that civilians are better protected.

Despite recent political developments, the humanitarian emergency remains and the needs of people affected by extreme fighting continue to escalate, a coalition of 13 aid agencies has warned today.

Somalia is suffering its worst drought in years and failed rains are already devastating half a million lives, international aid agency Oxfam warned today. An ongoing conflict in the country together with the drought has pushed hundreds of thousands of Somalis beyond their ability to cope.

The European Commission announced today a significant boost of €80 million for immediate humanitarian needs in flood-hit Pakistan. This doubles the contribution of the EU’s executive arm to €150 million, and places it as the most generous donor after Saudi Arabia, the US and the UK.

Oxfam deeply regrets the deaths of two of its Afghan staff members and a community volunteer and the injuries to one staff member and one community volunteer. They were deeply committed to improving the lives of other Afghans and our thoughts are with their families at this time.

Oxfam today warned that the Gazan economy, which has been almost completely destroyed by three years of isolation, will continue to unravel unless the blockade is completely and immediately lifted.

Oxfam condemns Monday’s attack on the aid flotilla that resulted in the killing of a number of passengers and it links the tragedy to the failure of Israel and the international community to lift the three year blockade on the Gaza Strip.

Port-au-Prince: Thousands of earthquake survivors living in camps are vulnerable to landslides and flooding due to hurricanes, according to an evaluation of camp sites carried out by international agency Oxfam.

More than 1.3 million people are displaced, dependant on emergency relief to survive. But dwindling contributions from the international community are forcing humanitarian organizations to close programs.

The next 12 months will be critical for the future of Sudan.