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Ireland to provide 40 tonnes of emergency aid to South Sudan­­—­Minister for Trade and Development

Ireland is to dispatch emergency supplies to assist thousands of families affected by the recent violence in South Sudan, Minister for Trade and Development Joe Costello TD announced today.

Some 40 tonnes of emergency supplies will be dispatched in the coming days, Minister Costello said.

“I am deeply concerned about the continuing violence in South Sudan and its devastating impact on the civilian population. 180,000 people have fled their homes since violence erupted on 15 December, with 75,000 people sheltering in UN compounds across the country. The essential supplies provided by Ireland will be distributed by our NGO partner Concern, to meet the immediate needs of those affected.”

The emergency stocks include:

 12,220 Blankets

 5,000 Jerry Cans

 1,900 Mosquito Nets

 1,000 Kitchen Sets

The Minister added:

“The escalation of violence threatens to return South Sudan to its violent past. I urge South Sudanese political leaders to fully engage in the ongoing peace talks in Addis Ababa, being led by regional organisations including the African Union, and immediately cease all hostilities.

“I call on all parties to the conflict to respect human rights and to allow access to humanitarian organisations so that they can provide assistance to vulnerable people.

“Ireland is continuing to monitor the situation closely and, with our United Nations and European Union partners, stand ready to provide further assistance.”