Juba, South Sudan
June 2nd, 2021 — South Sudan Red Cross has temporarily suspended its activities in Torit town of Eastern Equatoria State citing risks encountered by their volunteers in the area.
This comes less than a week when a group of armed men stormed the office of South Sudan Red Cross’ Torit branch in Eastern Equatoria State where six staff and two visiting members were assaulted by a group on 31st of May 2021.
In a press statement extended to Nyamilepedia, the South Sudan Red Cross’ secretary General John Labor reiterated that they strongly condemned the incident and temporarily suspended their activities adding that they are ready to dialogue with community on their concerns.
“We call on the community leaders and authorities to ensure the safety of our staff, volunteers and properties and to facilitate the work of the Red Cross”‘ John emphasized.
South Sudan Red Cross is a volunteer-based National society and it’s auxiliary to the public authorities in the humanitarian field. It was established through an act of Parliament of the Republic of South Sudan on 9th March 2021.
The Red Cross has been operating actively in Torit of Eastern Equatoria State since 2004 before South Sudan got her independence.
Red Cross staffs have been working to improve nutrition, access to health care, water and sanitation and as well as to prevent gender-based violence.
