The UN Security Council has warned of a looming famine in South Sudan, saying the "catastrophic food insecurity" was the worst in the world and urged donor countries to make good on their promise to donate $618m (£364m) in aid.
“The members of the Security Council expressed grave concern about the catastrophic food insecurity situation in South Sudan that is now the worst in the world. They further expressed deep alarm that the crisis in South Sudan may soon reach the threshold of famine as a result of continued conflict, civilian targeting and displacement,” a statement by the 15-member body said.
“WFP, UNICEF and our partners here on the ground have been working tirelessly to bring assistance,” said World Food Programme (WFP) Executive Director Ertharin Cousin.
“But if we are to rapidly expand our operations and save more lives, then we need more resources, and the international community has to act now.”
Nearly one million children under five years of age in South Sudan will require treatment for acute malnutrition in 2014, according to the UN and UNICEF estimates that 50,000 children could die from malnutrition in the course of this year, if the world fails to provide the required assistance.
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