The European Union Delegation, the Heads of Mission of Denmark, France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Sweden, The United Kingdom, and the Heads of Mission of Canada, China, Japan, Norway, Switzerland and the United States issue the following statement in South Sudan:

The Heads of Mission strongly condemn and deplore the reprehensible killing of six aid workers along the Juba to Pibor road on Saturday, March 25, 2017. Our deepest condolences go out to the families, friends, and colleagues of the deceased.

The Heads of Mission call upon the Government of the Republic of South Sudan to thoroughly investigate this outrageous attack to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice. They underline the prime responsibility of the Government to ensure security across  the country and call on all parties to contribute to the safe, secure, and unhindered access of aid workers to people in need across South Sudan.

The Heads of Mission recall that South Sudan is one of the world’s most dangerous environments for aid workers.  Since the start of the conflict in 2013, at least 79 aid workers have lost their lives in the line of duty bringing desperately-needed assistance to the South Sudanese people. 

The Heads of Mission strenuously emphasize that aid workers, like other civilians, must be protected from violence and must never be the target of attack.

To prevent future such incidents, the Heads of Mission call upon all armed actors to undertake a ceasefire in line with the Agreement on Resolution of the Conflict in South Sudan, and to make genuine efforts to bring about peace, stability, and improved humanitarian access.

In this regard, the Heads of Missions welcome the decision by the 30th Extra-Ordinary IGAD Summit that all humanitarian corridors should be immediately opened without any conditionality.