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Charity calls for humanitarian access to elderly in South Sudan

Xinhua, July 18, 2016 Adjust font size:

A global charity, HelpAge International on Monday called for unhindered humanitarian access for the elderly who have been affected by recent fighting in South Sudan.

The organization expressed deep concern about the proportion of older people affected by continued violence and internal displacement in the world's youngest nation.

In a statement, the charity called on warring parties to the conflict to allow free movement of people at this time as many seek their lost relatives, assets and other necessities.

"Older people often bear the brunt of conflict and are particularly vulnerable in situations of violence and displacement because of their frailty and reduced mobility," said Dr Prafulla Mishra, Regional Director of HelpAge International.

He added that HelpAge International and their partners are monitoring the situation on the ground and prepare to mobilize themselves to provide the much required support for older people including those living in Protection of Civilian Camps (POCs).

Mishra said the majority of affected people are said to be women, children and older people.

Data on the exact number of older people affected is hard to come by, however, population data from UN Department of Economic and Social Affairs (UNDESA) suggests that 5.1 per cent of the population is aged 60 and over.

Fresh fighting broke out in Juba on July 7 as it marked its fifth independence day and left 36,000 people internally displaced in different parts in Juba with a number attempting to cross over to neighboring Uganda.

According to initial government figures at least 272 people have been killed, including 33 civilians. A cease-fire declared by President Salva Kiir on July 11, and seemingly endorsed by Vice President Riek Machar, appears to be holding in Juba.

Humanitarian actors have also raised concern about safety of staff as access and logistics have adversely been affected by restrictions of movements of not only nationals but also humanitarian actors. Endit