The United Nations strongly condemns the escalating violence in South Sudan

A statement attributed to the Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General said that fighting, attacks and looting of humanitarian and health facilities – along with restrictions on movement and insecurity on key supply routes – are hampering humanitarian operations and disrupting basic services, putting civilians, including aid workers, at serious risk.

The statement recalled that since late December, at least 11 health facilities have been attacked in Jonglei State, disrupting life-saving services. The attacks also included the seizure of 12 vehicles, including an ambulance.

He added that in the past week alone, incidents across the country have included repeated attacks on a World Food Program convoy, an airstrike on a hospital run by Doctors Without Borders, and the burning of a Save the Children field office and the destruction of its health centre.

The Deputy Spokesman for the Secretary-General warned that this blatant disregard for medical and humanitarian operations is unacceptable and must stop, and that this work must be facilitated and respected.

The statement recalled reports that more than 370,000 people were displaced by fighting across the country this year alone, including more than 280,000 people in Jonglei State, amid a rapidly worsening cholera epidemic.

The Secretary-General of the United Nations called on all parties to immediately and decisively halt all military operations, de-escalate tensions through dialogue, adhere to international law, protect civilians, ensure safe and sustainable humanitarian access, and ensure the security of UN relief workers and peacekeepers and their property.