Brussels, 18 September 2015

The European Commission has released an additional aid package of €15 million amid an increasingly deteriorating humanitarian situation in South Sudan. The funding brings the total EU humanitarian aid for the country to nearly €300 million so far in 2015.

Today the European Commission has announced €15 million in new humanitarian aid to help people affected by the crisis in South Sudan.

"The EU stands with the people of South Sudan, who continue to suffer from a dire humanitarian situation. Despite serious restrictions on humanitarian access, the EU has been relentlessly assisting those in need. It is essential that humanitarian workers have full access to reach all areas to deliver lifesaving aid to South Sudanese people," said EU Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Stylianides.

Despite the recently signed peace agreement, to which the EU is an observer, the humanitarian crisis remains extremely worrying. South Sudan is facing one of the world's worst humanitarian disasters. Emergency thresholds have been reached, with more than 4 million people suffering hunger and very high levels of malnutrition.

The new package brings the total EU humanitarian aid for South Sudan and the neighbouring countries affected by the crisis to nearly € 300 million so far this year. The funding comes as food insecurity is at emergency levels, the health system is in critical condition and the protection of civilians remains a key concern.