South Sudan: Malteser International supports refugees from Sudan

Cologne/Juba. After more than a year of conflict in Sudan, a growing number of people are fleeing hunger and violence, seeking refuge in South Sudan. According to the United Nations, approximately 740,000 individuals have crossed the border into South Sudan since the war began. With support from the Federal Foreign Office, Malteser International is allocating 200,000 euros to assist both the refugees and the host communities.

“The situation is particularly dire in the northern border regions of South Sudan. Over the past few weeks, our emergency aid team assessed conditions in the village of Renk and a refugee camp near the capital, Juba. In Renk, people are living in overcrowded shelters that barely protect them from the rain. They literally lack everything. Many children are suffering from severe conjunctivitis,” says Mathis Biermann, Malteser International’s Country Officer for South Sudan.

In the coming weeks, Malteser International plans to build around 100 latrines, set up hand-washing stations and distribute hygiene articles and drinking water. Additionally, cash assistance will be provided to around 600 particularly vulnerable families. In total, around 5,000 households will be supported.
“We are eager to build new accommodations for the refugees, but we urgently need donations to make this possible,” says Biermann.

Malteser International has been active in the region, which has been part of South Sudan since the division of Sudan, since 1996. Malteser International is committed to improving the living conditions of the suffering population. The aid projects focus on the areas of nutrition, water, sanitation & hygiene (WASH) and health.

Attention editors:
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Mathis Biermann, Country Officer for South Sudan at Malteser International, is available for interviews and sound bites.
Operator: +49 (0)221 9822- 7181, katharina.kiecol@malteser-international.org