Australian support for South Sudan

The Australian Government will provide an additional $7.8 million for communities affected by the dire humanitarian situation and continuing unrest in South Sudan. With this announcement Australia's funding of humanitarian assistance to South Sudan will total $50 million.

Over one million people have been displaced since conflict broke out in December 2013. The United Nations is warning that without support from the international community, millions will face a catastrophic shortage of food and nutrients.

Australia's contribution will deliver life-saving assistance to the most vulnerable communities. It covers $5 million for food and logistics support for the humanitarian community's relief effort through the United Nations World Food Programme. It also includes $2.8 million for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees to provide shelter, healthcare, food, water and sanitation for the estimated 270,000 South Sudanese who have fled to neighbouring countries.

Australia continues to call on all parties to immediately honour their commitments to halt hostilities and to begin an inclusive, peaceful political dialogue.

Following South Sudan's independence Australia deployed a contingent of Australian Defence Force personnel to the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). This contribution builds on our continuing response to the crisis that broke out in December 2013, which has included the provision of two military aircraft to help move UN personnel and equipment into the country. Australia also co-sponsored a UN Security Council decision on 24 December to increase the strength of UNMISS to assist the protection of civilians.

The Australian Government continues to strongly advise Australians not to travel to South Sudan, including Juba, because of ongoing military conflict. Australians in South Sudan are strongly advised to leave as soon as possible while commercial options are available.