Adam Bandt (Melbourne, Australian Greens) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

It is with great sadness that I rise today to bring attention to the continuing humanitarian crisis in South Sudan. The United Nations has issued a declaration of famine for the Leer and Mayendit counties of the Greater Unity region in South Sudan. It is the first famine announced anywhere in the world in six years. Many lives are threatened in South Sudan as well as Somalia, Nigeria and Yemen.

Despite a significant humanitarian response, the UN reports that food insecurity has worsened as a result of ongoing conflict displacement and the prevention of access to humanitarian aid. The ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in South Sudan is impacting on the South Sudanese community here in Australia, including in my electorate. Today I convey the message of the South Sudan Australia Peace Initiative, which calls for peaceful cooperation from all parties in South Sudan to ensure that urgently needed humanitarian aid can be safely provided to those most in need.

Three weeks ago I spoke in this chamber about the impacts of the drought in the region. Since this time the Australian government has announced additional funding of $20 million to provide support to vulnerable people in South Sudan and Somalia. The South Sudan Australia Peace Initiative wishes to acknowledge this commitment and asks for continuing solidarity from their fellow Australians as well as any financial support that can be provided to nonprofit organisations delivering humanitarian aid in South Sudan. The South Sudan Australia Peace Initiative renews their call for South Sudanese—wherever they may be—to commit to building peaceful communities founded on trust, forgiveness, healing and unity.