Speaking duirng the 21st Plenary on Monday, H.E. Mogae said, “Despite the desperate situation, and credible reports that malnutrition is critical in several areas, delivery of humanitarian assistance continues to be impeded. More than one hundred access incidents were recorded in October, and yet another aid worker was killed.”

According to the latest data from the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (the IPC), the chaiperson said, the current harvest will not reduce the number of people suffering severe food insecurity by any more than 20%.

“This Christmas 1.4 million more people will go hungry around the country than last year,” he said.

The Chairperson said the latest announcement by the Transitional Government of United Unity (TGoNU) to enact increase in the cost of work permits, “is likely to have a further detrimental impact on the delivery of critical humanitarian aid.”

He however, acknowledged President of South Sudan, H.E. Salva Kiir Mayardit’s latest intervention to order unhindered access for humanitarian organisations in the country.

“I sincerely hope that this will make an immediate difference on the ground. I appeal to all other Parties to grant unconditional access to humanitarian agencies.”