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AID AGENCIES IN Africa have warned that tens of thousands of people in South Sudan face death by starvation after famine was declared there this week.
Up to 100,000 people are currently living in areas affected by famine in the central African country, with charities and the UN warning that unless emergency aid is delivered fast, many more areas will be affected.
Famine was declared in two counties in South Sudan on Monday, only the second one to be declared since 2000.
The only other famine was in Somalia in 2011, where at least 260,000 people died – half of them children under the age of five, according to the UN World Food Program.
The International Rescue Committee said Wednesday that the famine designation in South Sudan meant that people were already dying and that the international response was too late.
“These crises remain among the least discussed and most underfunded in the world despite their extraordinary scale, scope and man-made origins. This is absurd,” said Ciaran Donnelly, international programs director at the IRC.
“The IRC and other aid groups have been raising the alarm of an impending famine in South Sudan for months, and instead of taking the warnings seriously, it fell largely on deaf ears,” he added.
There are also further threats of famine in Somalia, Yemen and parts of Nigeria, with hundreds of people facing potential starvation.
So what’s happening in South Sudan?
South Sudan (officially Republic of South Sudan) is the world’s youngest nation. It gained independence from Sudan following a referendum in 2011.
The landlocked African country has been embroiled in civil war for the past three years.
The conflict began in 2013 when President Salva Kiir accused his rival and former deputy Riek Machar of plotting a coup against him.
Fierce fighting has been ongoing since, with both sides drawing strong international criticism and condemnation from countries and aid groups.
The civil war has forced people to flee, disrupted agriculture, sent prices soaring, and seen aid agencies blocked from accessing some of the worst-hit areas.
This resulted in the “man-made” famine being declared in parts of the northern Greater Unity region, where 100,000 people are facing starvation and another one million are on the brink of famine. A total of nearly five million are going hungry.
UNICEF warned that over 270,000 children are malnourished across the country, with 20,000 children living in the famine-affected area.
More than 300,000 South Sudanese refugees have arrived in Sudan since the war erupted, according to the UN Refugee Agency UNHCR.
Over 65% of the refugees are children, with many of them arriving with critical levels of malnutrition, it said.
International human rights organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) has condemned both sides of the conflict as well as the international community for failing to assist the people of South Sudan.
“It underscores the complete failure by government, opposition forces, and international actors to end the cycle of abuse,” HRW said in a statement.
The people of South Sudan were abandoned by their leaders a long time ago. The UN Security Council and regional organisations have failed civilians. Today’s famine is the price of inaction.
What’s being done?
Aid agencies in operation in South Sudan have pleaded with people across the world to assist the people in need in the country.
27 humanitarian groups working in the country warned that unless substantial funds are immediately provided, the famine will spread across the country.
The groups said that unless their requests are acted upon, the number of people going hungry could increase to more than 5.5 million by July 2017.
The United Nations has called for its members to give $1.6 billion (€1.5 billion) to help the country cope with the crisis. The UK this week pledged £100 million and the EU pledged €82 million – but charities say this money needs to be delivered soon.
Meanwhile, South Sudan’s president Salva Kiir vowed the government would ensure aid could reach the areas hit by famine.
In an address to parliament, Kiir said the government “will ensure that all humanitarian and development organisations have unimpeded access to needy populations across the country”.
One humanitarian worker in South Sudan – speaking to AFP on condition of anonymity – said that the president’s announcement could give leverage in negotiations on the ground, as gaining access to hungry communities often meant tricky talks with an array of actors in the crisis.
Pete Walsh, country director of Save the Children, said that South Sudan was an extremely dangerous place for both its citizens and international workers trying to help them.
“In the last three years, at least 71 aid workers have been killed, the vast majority being South Sudanese,” he said.
Rain season will hit the country in April, with charities warning that funds must be released to workers on the ground to provide assistance to people in need, as it will become much more difficult to deliver aid once the rains start falling.
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Seven hundred thousand is chicken-feed. What are we, Daily Mail readers or something?
chicken feed? im waiting for “its only a drop in the ocean” lame excuse. we don’t have 700k to send also rans on holiday how much will it be after paddy’s day???
It’s not holidays and if you don’t see the benefits of these trips; culturally, economically or from a tourism point if view, then you’re best if not thinking too hard about anything.
@ Ciaran – I agree Nth Korea is the example we need to follow! Just look how well they’re doing.
Any other country seeking to attract FDI would pay ten times this amount for the level of access it delivers…. money well spent IMO
Common sense is not welcome around here Ronan Morris !
we have sent 29 reps away this year at an average of 10k per head for 2/3 day trip.
9 were sent a couple of years ago.
Initially I thought I’d be outraged by this, but having found out he met Hulk Hogan yesterday, that alone is worth 700k.
If the weekly social welfare payment over the 5 years is takes at just under €200 then that equates to getting about 36 people off the dole in 2011.
Not to mention that if they are working they are paying income tax and USC into the system. Could the journal actually do some basic journalism to show the benefits of these trips. You know they cost €700k, you know who went where, so did any jobs actually come into the country as a result??
Or as Neal sdays, do you think we are Daily mail readers and gombeens!
you need to adjust your figures and account for this year and next if there is a next
paddys day that’s it, no other travel listed, looks like we are well on the road to recovery if gov spending is any indicator
daily mail readers is a new one, what does it mean?
I’m not gonna be popular for saying this I am sure. But honestly…. Yes it sounds like quite a lot of money but considering how many people travel, and the benefits to the economy arising from the visits…. Is it really that much?
With the amount of FDI, jobs being created and Ireland’s soaring reputation as a place to do business, seems like a good investment
How refreshing to hear Enda Kenny was travelling economy on that flight with Hulk Hogan.
Cheap shot journalism Dan, have vision rather than tease the people with populist simplistic takes like this
Correct this is populist rubbish journalism
its a bit low hanging fruit alright, the journalist knows a few idiots will say its a waste of money when in fact its anything but. its like idiot entrapment
This site is becoming nothing more that a daily rag.
Why don’t ye do some proper journalism and give us the figure of how much they have managed to to secure in investment and employment from these trips
Won’t be long till shinner comes along and makes up figure for you. Research has shown they get out of bed after 11am.
Ooh I bet that felt good Baz. A shinner attack. Nothing like it to get the endorphins flowing.
Druggie. .
The irish people are wising up to the protectors of Child Abuse. People are leaving SF in their thousands. Suck it in. The more they tarnish the good people of Ireland with their BS the more ill go on.
It must be an official SF day-off, as it’s still quiet at 11.45
Celtic won yesterday Harold
How much have they spent on photocopy paper over the past 50 years?
I’m sure if you publish that number it will drive some of the leftie loons into a frenzy.
How much did FG & Labour spend on a web site John which the Supreme court found to be unconstitutional? Have they paid that back yet?
Lefty Loons, lefty Loons, lefty Loons. Go on johngingam, say it, spray it, write it, type it.
That’s a dopamine kick, just a slight one but enough to take you a little higher on this Monday morning.
Feels good doesn’t it.
And paper clips.
if you add up what the governments have spent on paper clips since their invention in 1933 that would run into tens of thousands.
Can that be a scandal too?
Kerry well in all fairness they couldn’t have found it was unconstitutional before it was set up now could they?
If we organise a whip around and raise another 700,000…would they stay away?
Con great suggestion but what other countries would these clowns except for expensive entertainment. This expensive would be worth it if they could add another 0 to it if that is the amount of proper jobs they brought back to Ireland. But is that really going to happen.
We already pay for ambassadors to stay in countries overseas all year round to put the Irish brand out there. We already have numerous tourist organisations & industrial organisations set up to sell the Irish brand…that one minister for one or two days of year is going to make or break the Irish image is beyond stupid!
Sweet lord above what an ugly bunch!!
I’m about to start a 10 hrs shift for less then 90 euro. I’m employed by the H.S.E. After 3 yr in study in D. C. U. My next move is to London where hopefully there’s better prospects.. Happy St Patrick’s day Ministers
What did you study? Did you graduate?
Well whatever he studied, he is clever enough to know when he is being exploited. No degree needed to recognise a system based on nepotism, back handers and gullibility.
Geriatric nursing.
I’m just wondering what the relevance of the nursing story is to this?
wexford you appear to think you are owed or entitled to a job cause you spent 3 years in DCU. what else do we owe you as a society?
What an absolute joke
The article or the amount ? Amount is actually reasonable for anyone who logically breaks it down over the years since 2011.
Guys if you pay for my holidays to promote the country I will go poor class in with the sheep so long as I have a seat and glass of water every so often. I would bring my own bottled water but not sure if they allow that. I will stay in a normal joe bnb. And eat normal dinners. Won’t bring my make up artist bor hair dresser or my script writer . Just the nessacary advisor. And he or she will stay abroad for exact same as me. I also will take a salary of 40 grand a year. Will ye vote for me :)
P.s I don’t stutter band not afraid of EU or bankers :)
No.
I’ve no reason to believe you would be in any way competent for the role.
five would your own family even vote for you?
A waste of money.
Yes. It’s absolutely worth it. It’s really tiresome having this “discussion” every year.
Yeah but at least we get to re-enjoy several times the hilarious joke about it being worth it if they don’t come back.
some people spend their whole year waiting on that big ‘i hope its one way’ post. its good to laugh at their stupidity
700k over a 5 year period…buttons. I’m genuinely impressed it’s so low!
What other country in this world can get every other major city around the world turn Green for one day. Anyone who says that its money down the drain can not see the bigger picture.
I understand that turning the world green for one day is more to do with the efforts of the Irish aboard than ministers flying around the world, but St. Patricks day opens the way for these ministers to talk and promote Ireland to the right people about developing trade links, new export markets, inward investment and assisting the Irish aboard.
For example, new Glanbia plant outside Kilkenny, producing baby milk powder for export to China. Beef to be exported to the States, undocumented Irish in the states seeking citizenship etc.
Yes we have a lot of wrongs to right in this country. Doesn’t mean we should forget about our friends and family aboard too.
Should he not have gone too Australia and visit all the young talented irish living the life he could not provide .
if they are so talented then surely they could provide for themselves?
so its ok now as they didn’t spend as much as the last crowd? fdi is worked via ida and has nothing to do with politicians.
€700,000?
Money well spent.
Provided it doesn’t include a return flight…
Step 1 for lying with numbers:when the figure over one year looks too small to rile people up, give the total value over as many years as it takes to achieve said riling.
Tiny money in comparison to the amount of sales and inward investment these trips produce. Dare I say it “Excellent value for money”?
Have you all noticed all the pro government green fingers lately .. Election on the way there working over tine to make it look like the irish people actually love the pain this government & the last have inflicted on th furnish people for the sake of the rich banksters & bondholders .. Not 1 held accountable
Great photo of Obama with the sham
Obama looks like he is allergic to shamrock!
Why do we need a private jet to haul these crooks around the world? This country is broke, cant our Esteemed Leader and his Adored cabinet take scheduled flights? Its a case of fur coats and bo knickers, disgraceful?
Less than the cost of one hours interest an the bailout ……
Surely they should stay in their own country on Saint Patrick’s day as leaders to promote Ireland.
Lead a parade in a foreign country !!!!
Would he not be welcome at the front of a parade in his own capital ??? Maybe I hit the nail on the head…
Yeah,now I wonder what the true figure is.
Do they not have air miles like the rest of us that we can convert to tickets. Whats wrong with sitting with the rest of us who fly & work while we are on the flight. Obviously the fairy dust was sprinkled over the irish population if they want us to believe this rubbish. FUVE I will vote for you if you get in can I be your assistant, I will even move to where ever you live so I don’t require travel expenses.
Where is the guy can’t remember what his name was but he stated he wasn’t claiming expenses going for St Paddy’s Day.
700k for 70 million worth of advertising is the best bargain in the world
€700k, so what? Thats the cost, now whats the income. How many millions in investment and tourist income do these trips bring this country. Stop whinging.
Its like people complaining the Royal familiy costs the UK millions each year, Well yes they do, but how many billions do they bring in in tourist revenue and museum visits etc etc.
It’s true the recovery has started. Well at least for some…
The gravy train !!!
What do you mean, you know those hard working people need a holiday, worshiping the Pinnacle of the Draco is hard work lol.
We should be spending more to get our profile even higher than it is already.
So what? Money needs to be spent for international relations & appearances, so we don’t look like a bunch of peasants, FFS.
The only thing people have a problem with is wastage & ITT consultancy fees.
OTT, not ITT.
700k Jayus I wonder was it was durning the Celt kitten years.. When the wives, husbands, granny’s and pets where brought over?
Hi Ray, it’s in the article. 615k in a single year.
clearly it’s money well spent, he can hardly be expected to pay for a trip to the States all on his own no can he?.. Enda has been our best Taoiseach to date and is universally loved … oohhh wait…
It’d be totally worth it if they would stay there
Still classic!
That one never gets old.
post of the year. total genius, such creativity :D
I thought that the jet was out of commission? Didn’t he meet Hulk Hogan on a commercial flight?
700,000 how many went 350 ?? Free drink free flights free accommodation .. Pure gravy …
If they all flew economy and stayed in a mate’s gaff & drank dutch gold & ate take-away every night it would still be over the top for some people, the job is to promote Ireland and whether we like it or not these are the people elected to carry out the job, promoting our country & attracting inward investment, just get their asses home & not over stay the hospitality because they have plenty of work to do.
Populist rubbish from Journal. How does Kenny’s expenses compare with his predecessors like Bertie & Cowen. We already know Kenny earns 40% +less than Cowen in pay. He also travels economy class flights where possible.The goodwill towards Ireland is well worth the meagre amount expended. We have highest growth rate in EU to prove it, and jobs coming here- often as a result of such trips. But anyway this is the journal. Did it report SF flying 1st class last year !!!
Everyone knows because St. Patrick chased the snakes out of Ireland refers really to the cult of snake worshipers in Ireland at that time. No snake worshiper can stand being in Ireland on St. Patrick’s day lol.
So it is the annual holiday for those in government at the expense of the tax payer, it is one way to make sure an epidemic does get into Ireland as well, have they taken their shots of vaccine?
have your say