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Hunger on the rise in South Sudan
10.02.2016 08:02 "Agro Perspectiva" (Kyiv) —
Nearly three million people in South Sudan, or roughly a quarter of the population, require food assistance, UN Radio says referring to the the Food and Agriculture Programme (FAO), the UN Childrens Fund (UNICEF) and the World Food Programme (WFP) report.
The three UN agencies are concerned by what they are calling an escalating food crisis in the country.
They say that at least 40,000 people are «on the brink of catastrophe» due to rising hunger during the harvest period, with a harsh and prolonged lean period expected this year.
As to the report, the three UN agencies say the number of people facing hunger in South Sudan is expected to peak during the lean season (which is usually worst between Apr and Jul).
Also, they predict that it will start earlier and last longer than in previous years.
Furthermore, the start of the dry season, which is happening now, could add to the hardship faced by people, particularly those in conflict-affected areas.
It is to be admitted, South Sudan became independent in 2011, making it the worlds youngest nation.
However, it has been plagued by more than two years of violence stemming from a political impasse between the countrys leader and his former vice-president.
As to the report, the three UN agencies are calling for swift implementation of a peace agreement signed last August, and for unrestricted access to conflict areas so that they can deliver aid to those in need.
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