Embassies of Major Donor Countries Call for Halt to Cost Impositions on Humanitarian Aid in South Sudan

In a joint statement issued on 21st April 2024, the embassies of Canada, the European Union, France, Germany, Japan, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom, and the United States of America have urged the transitional government of South Sudan to immediately cease recent actions that are impeding the delivery of vital humanitarian assistance to the country.

The embassies raised concerns over a series of measures imposed by the transitional government, including the ePetroleum Accreditation Permit, customs fees and charges, the electronic cargo tracking note, laboratory tests on food rations, and security escort fees. These efforts have been deemed illicit and unacceptable, threatening the ability of donor governments, United Nations agencies, and their partners to carry out essential aid operations in South Sudan.

Highlighting the violation of international practices and South Sudanese laws that exempt diplomatic missions, international donors, and their implementing partners from certain taxes and fees, the embassies stressed the detrimental impact of these impositions on humanitarian efforts in the country.

The embassies called for immediate action to address the issue and ensure unimpeded access for humanitarian actors operating in South Sudan, emphasizing the importance of cooperation and support from the government to alleviate the suffering of vulnerable populations.

The international community remains committed to assisting the people of South Sudan during this challenging period and looks to the transitional government to work collaboratively towards facilitating humanitarian operations in the country.