50,000 children facing death in war-torn South Sudan: UN

Last updated: June 14, 2014 3:31 pm

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A handout picture released by the United Nations-African Union Mission in Darfur (UNAMID) on June 11, 2014 shows a two children photographed next to water jerry cans inside their shelter in a new settlement in Zam Zam camp for Internally Displaced People (IDP), North Darfur. Thousands of people, mostly women, children and the elderly, have sought refuge in the Zam Zam IDP camp, following an armed militia attack on their villages more than three months ago. Many of the recently displaced hail from different villages around Tawila, Korma and Tina in North Darfur as well as Khor Abeche in South Darfur. The displaced community continues to request for basic services such as water, food, healthcare services and shelter. (AFP PHOTO/UNAMID/ALBERT GONZALEZ FARRAN )

AFP – More than 50,000 children in South Sudan face death from disease and hunger, the United Nations warned Saturday as it begged for over a billion dollars to support those hit by six months of civil war.

War in the young nation has already killed thousands and forced more than 1.5 million people from their homes, and aid agencies warn of the risk of famine should fighting continue.

“The consequences could be dire: 50,000 children could die this year if they do not get assistance,” UN aid chief for South Sudan Toby Lanzer said, at the launch of a plan to support 3.8 million people “hit by hunger, violence and disease”.

President Salva Kiir and his arch-rival Riek Machar committed themselves again this week to a ceasefire, although many analysts are sceptical they really want a negotiated end to the conflict, and instead believe a military victory is still possible.

“Even if the cessation of hostilities holds… fighting and displacement has already shattered the lives of millions of people,” Lanzer told reporters, adding that while $740m (€547m) has been offered, the aid agencies face a shortfall of over $1bn (€739m).

Two earlier ceasefire deals were broken within hours.

“Now that the rains have set in, conditions in South Sudan are deteriorating by the day: people are literally living in mud,” Lanzer added.

“Cholera has broken out, malaria is rampant and many children are malnourished. Millions of people need emergency healthcare, food, clean water, proper sanitation and shelter to make it through the year.”

Months of dragging peace talks in Ethiopia have made little progress, so far costing over $17m (€12m).

Over 94,000 civilians are still sheltering inside hugely overcrowded UN bases, too frightened to leave the protection of the razor wire fence for fear of attack.

“The immediate goals of the aid operation are to save lives and prevent a famine,” the UN appeal released Saturday read.

“With many communities unable to farm or tend properly to their cattle, the risk of famine looms large. In some particularly hard-to-reach areas of the country, people are already starving.”