EU announces €82 million in emergency aid as famine declared in South Sudan

On 21 February 2017 the European Commission announced an emergency aid package worth €82 million as famine has been declared in South Sudan for the first time since the country gained independence in 2011. One hundred thousand people were facing starvation in parts of the country while 40 per cent of the population (4.9 million people) were in need of urgent humanitarian assistance.

The new EU humanitarian aid package aimed to be used for the most urgent needs in the country and help neighbouring countries cope with the massive influx of refugees.

• Primary Source

ESO: Background information: Meeting between HR/VP Federica Mogherini and Uganda's Minister of Foreign Affairs, Sam Kutesa http://www.europeansources.info/record/meeting-between-hr-vp-federica-mogherini-and-ugandas-minister-of-foreign-affairs-sam-kutesa/

ESO: Background information: EU announces €78 million for South Sudan crisis http://www.europeansources.info/record/eu-announces-e78-million-for-south-sudan-crisis/

EurActiv, 21.02.17: Stylianides condemns ‘man-made’ famine in South Sudan, promises €82m http://www.euractiv.com/section/politics/news/stylianides-condemns-man-made-famine-in-south-sudan-promises-e82m/

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