Oxfam and Christian Aid have been designated to receive funding from the Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund to aid displaced individuals and their host communities in South Sudan and Ethiopia.
The allocated funds will be utilised to provide essential assistance, including food and other necessities, to those who have fled the conflict.
Reports indicate that South Sudan has experienced an influx of over half a million people since the onset of the conflict.
With an estimated 930,000 refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia, of which over 385,000 are reportedly South Sudanese residing in the Gambella region, the scale of displacement remains staggering.
International development minister Kaukab Stewart expressed concern, stating, “Our thoughts are with the thousands of refugees in South Sudan struggling to survive and facing a bleak and uncertain future.”
“This funding will play a crucial role in addressing the immediate needs of those affected by conflict and the climate crisis, including access to shelter, food, clean water and healthcare.
“It is imperative that we work with the international community to alleviate their suffering and help them rebuild their lives.
“The £250,000 funding pledge to aid charities responding to the crisis through the Humanitarian Emergency Fund demonstrates our commitment to providing essential assistance to people in need.”
Val Brown, head of Christian Aid Scotland, emphasised the dire situation in South Sudan, stating, “South Sudan is grappling with numerous challenges, including acute food insecurity and one of the world’s largest displacement crises.”
“In addition, many people have arrived in the country from neighbouring Sudan, fleeing the conflict that started last April.
“We’re grateful for funding from the Scottish Government’s Humanitarian Emergency Fund which will enable to us to reach 4,000 people in the Wedweil refugee camp, northern Bahr el Ghazal state, so people can purchase food and essentials.
“There will also be additional cash assistance for 400 vulnerable women and girls to support their recovery and empowerment.”
Jamie Livingstone, head of Oxfam Scotland, emphasized: “The Scottish Government deserves significant credit for allocating its small but vital humanitarian funding not just to high-profile emergencies like Gaza or Ukraine, but also to those crises that unfold well away from the world’s attention – and the refugee crisis resulting from the situation in South Sudan is a stark example.
“Importantly, Oxfam is not only ensuring that water and sanitation facilities in Gambella are safer and more accessible to women and girls, and people with disabilities, but also supporting local actors to take ownership over their ongoing maintenance.
“This twin approach of inclusive and locally-led humanitarian response, underpinned by safe programming, is critical to ensuring refugees get the critical support they need.”