By Deng Machol
JUBA, South Sudan — Humanitarian leaders in South Sudan marked World Red Cross and Red Crescent Day on Friday with urgent calls for greater protection of aid workers and stronger international support as conflict, displacement, disease outbreaks, and climate-related disasters continue to deepen suffering across the country.
Speaking during commemorations in the capital, Juba, under the global theme “United in Humanity,” officials from the South Sudan Red Cross Society (SSRC), the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), and the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned that escalating humanitarian pressures are stretching relief operations to their limits.
The event brought together diplomats, government officials, humanitarian agencies, volunteers, and members of civil society to honor humanitarian workers and volunteers serving vulnerable communities across South Sudan.
“We remain encouraged and inspired as a movement, driven by the dedication, sacrifice, and selfless service of workers,” said Daniel Bunnskog, Head of Delegation for the ICRC in South Sudan.
Bunnskog said ongoing violence has caused loss of life, mass displacement, and worsening humanitarian conditions for millions of South Sudanese. He stressed that civilians, humanitarian workers, and aid infrastructure must be protected under international humanitarian law, noting that several South Sudan Red Cross volunteers have lost their lives while carrying out humanitarian missions.
“The scale of suffering remains immense, but humanitarian workers continue to stand with affected communities despite the risks,” he said.
Paula Fitzgerald, Head of Country Cluster Delegation for the IFRC, said communities across South Sudan continue to face overlapping crises, including armed conflict, floods, food insecurity, disease outbreaks, and limited access to essential services.
“The scale of need is immense,” Fitzgerald said. “We must continue to unify and stand alongside the South Sudan Red Cross, its volunteers, and dedicated staff in their mission to reduce suffering and build resilient communities.”
South Sudan Red Cross President Joseph Dhuor Makuei praised volunteers working in some of the country’s most dangerous environments and appealed for stronger protection and respect for humanitarian personnel.
“Our volunteers are there to support people affected by crisis,” Makuei said. “They deserve maximum protection and support from national authorities and communities without discrimination.”
Makuei also called on the international community and South Sudanese authorities to continue supporting the national society, which operates across the country’s 10 states and administrative areas.
John Lobor, Secretary General of the SSRC, said South Sudanese communities continue to endure severe humanitarian consequences driven by relentless violence, climate shocks, economic hardship, and political instability.
“This persistent crisis has eroded community resilience, shattered essential services, and displaced millions of people,” Lobor said.
According to the SSRC, the organization currently works with more than 19,000 volunteers across the country and remains at the forefront of humanitarian response efforts aimed at assisting communities affected by conflict, disasters, and disease outbreaks.
Egypt’s ambassador to South Sudan, Hissam Mohamed, used the occasion to call for peace and adherence to international humanitarian law.
“The principles of humanity must remain at the center of every society seeking peace and prosperity,” Mohamed said.
Government officials attending the event echoed calls for peace, humanitarian access, and national solidarity.
Joyce Bakwa Agole, Health Minister for Central Equatoria State, described the Red Cross as “a beacon of hope” during conflict, disease outbreaks, floods, and other emergencies.
“Whether responding to floods, supporting communities during pandemics, or helping families displaced by conflict, Red Cross workers are often the first to arrive and the last to leave,” Agole said.
She urged South Sudanese citizens, particularly young people, to support humanitarian initiatives and volunteer work across the country.
A representative from South Sudan’s Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs, Lawrence Akol, said the country’s humanitarian challenges could only be addressed through collective action and stronger support for humanitarian organizations.
“The Red Cross is not just an organization. It is a movement powered by humanity,” Akol said. “You do this not for recognition, but because humanity demands it.”
South Sudan remains one of the world’s most fragile humanitarian crises, with millions affected by conflict, food insecurity, displacement, disease outbreaks, and recurring climate-related disasters, according to humanitarian agencies operating in the country.
