The UN’s top humanitarian official in South Sudan has urged the Government to lift newly imposed taxes and charges that are causing aid deliveries to be suspended, affecting tens of thousands of people.
Since February, authorities have imposed a series of new taxes and charges at border crossings and within the country.
These measures have already impacted over 60,000 people, particularly in remote areas where humanitarian operations are already limited. This number is expected to rise to 145,000 by the end of May if the measures remain in place.
Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, emphasized the urgent situation, stating that UN agencies have been forced to halt life-saving airdrops of food assistance due to dwindling fuel supplies.
“We call on the Government of South Sudan to uphold all agreements with humanitarians, including our NGO (non-governmental organizations) partners, and immediately remove new taxes and fees so that we can continue to support people in need,” she said on Sunday.
Tweet URL
Her office further noted that the new taxes contravene the Status of Forces Agreement signed by individual agencies with the South Sudanese Government as well as Section 7 of the Convention on the Privileges and Immunities of the UN, which exempts the UN from all direct taxes and duties on imports of supplies for its official use.
Funds for saving lives
According to the Humanitarian Coordinator’s office, the new measures would increase the cost of food assistance and the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) operations by $339,000 per month.
This amount could otherwise be used to feed over 16,300 people for a month.
“It is vital that our limited funds are spent on saving lives and not bureaucratic impediments,” she stressed.
Government assurances
Ms. Gbeho acknowledged assurances by many members of the Government of South Sudan that humanitarians are exempt.
However, there have been no written commitments to date, her office added.
Humanitarian situation
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan remains dire, with approximately nine million people, including 1.6 million children, requiring assistance and protection due to ongoing insecurity and conflict.
Since the war in Sudan began in April 2023, coupled with violence and the cessation of food distribution in parts of Ethiopia, thousands of people have returned to South Sudan, often arriving in underdeveloped areas as highly vulnerable populations.
Despite increasing needs, funding for humanitarian efforts remains inadequate. The $1.8 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2024, aimed at supporting six million of the most vulnerable, is currently only 18.5 per cent funded.
Lila Montgomery is a celebrated journalist who has a deep commitment to global affairs and humanitarian issues. Her extensive reporting on United Nations initiatives across the globe has brought critical stories to the forefront, stories that affect communities everywhere.
Since February, authorities have imposed a series of new taxes and charges at border crossings and within the country. These measures have already impacted over 60,000 people, particularly in remote areas where humanitarian operations are already limited. This number is expected to rise to 145,000 by the end of May if the measures remain in place. I emphasize the urgent situation; we have been forced to halt life-saving airdrops of food assistance due to dwindling fuel supplies. The Government of South Sudan needs to uphold all agreements with humanitarians, including our NGO partners, and immediately remove new taxes and fees so that we can continue to support people in need.
Since February, authorities have imposed a series of new taxes and charges at border crossings and within the country. These measures have already impacted over 60,000 people, particularly in remote areas where humanitarian operations are already limited. This number is expected to rise to 145,000 by the end of May if the measures remain in place. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, emphasized the urgent situation, stating that UN agencies have been forced to halt life-saving airdrops of food assistance due to dwindling fuel supplies. “We call on the Government of South Sudan to uphold all agreements with humanitarians, including our NGO (non-governmental organizations) partners, and immediately remove new taxes and fees so that we can continue to support people in need,” she said on Sunday.
Since February, authorities have imposed a series of new taxes and charges at border crossings and within the country. These measures have already impacted over 60,000 people, particularly in remote areas where humanitarian operations are already limited. This number is expected to rise to 145,000 by the end of May if the measures remain in place. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, emphasized the urgent situation, stating that UN agencies have been forced to halt life-saving airdrops of food assistance due to dwindling fuel supplies. “We call on the Government of South Sudan to uphold all agreements with humanitarians, including our NGO (non-governmental organizations) partners, and immediately remove new taxes and fees so that we can continue to support people in need,” she said on Sunday.
Since February, authorities have imposed a series of new taxes and charges at border crossings and within the country. These measures have already impacted over 60,000 people, particularly in remote areas where humanitarian operations are already limited. This number is expected to rise to 145,000 by the end of May if the measures remain in place. Anita Kiki Gbeho, the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, emphasized the urgent situation, stating that UN agencies have been forced to halt life-saving airdrops of food assistance due to dwindling fuel supplies. “We call on the Government of South Sudan to uphold all agreements with humanitarians, including our NGO (non-governmental organizations) partners, and immediately remove new taxes and fees so that we can continue to support people in need,” she said on Sunday.
As the Humanitarian Coordinator for South Sudan, it is crucial that the Government lifts these harmful taxes that are hindering aid delivery to those in need. These actions are directly impacting thousands of vulnerable people, and the situation will only worsen if immediate action is not taken. The authorities must prioritize the well-being of their citizens and adhere to agreements with humanitarian organizations for the sake of saving lives.
Why are the new taxes and charges impacting aid deliveries in South Sudan? Can’t the Government find alternative sources of revenue without hindering humanitarian efforts?
Hi Amy, the new taxes and charges imposed by the South Sudanese Government are directly affecting the aid deliveries because they are causing delays and increased costs for humanitarian organizations. Finding alternative sources of revenue is essential, but it should not come at the expense of hindering crucial humanitarian efforts that are lifelines for thousands of people in need. The Government needs to prioritize the well-being of its citizens and work collaboratively with aid agencies to ensure the unimpeded flow of assistance.