Jan 31, 2017 - Key message: The HCT requests community members and leaders to raise any concerns through existing feedba
SOUTH SUDAN HUMANITARIAN COUNTRY TEAM STATEMENT ON ENGAGEMENT BETWEEN HUMANITARIAN WORKERS AND COMMUNITIES
Key message: The HCT requests community members and leaders to raise any concerns through existing feedback channels and to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve issues that arise. Humanitarian workers across South Sudan are striving to protect and assist vulnerable people strictly on the basis of humanitarian needs. In order to implement our operations, humanitarian organizations require that each of our aid workers strictly adheres to the internationally agreed humanitarian principles of humanity, impartiality, neutrality and operational independence. This means that we provide assistance and protection to people in need regardless of their religion, ethnicity or political views. It also means that we do not engage in any political or military activities or objectives. In return, we require that our national and international humanitarian workers – regardless of their religion, ethnicity, or nationality - are able to work safely and securely. We also must be able to carry out our operations without interference into decisions as to who will receive assistance, or how humanitarian activities will be carried out, or by whom. Our first accountability is to people affected by crisis, and we therefore encourage community members and leaders to give feedback on services provided by humanitarian organisations. However, while we are committed to two-way communication, it is unacceptable for community members or leaders to attempt to leverage threats, intimidation or violence when engaging with humanitarian organisations. Where threats, intimidation or violence are used against aid workers and/or aid installations, humanitarian organisations may be forced to refuse services and may take measures to respond, including the partial or complete suspension of services. In order to avoid such situations, the HCT requests community members and leaders to raise any concerns through existing feedback channels and to engage in peaceful dialogue to resolve issues that arise. The sole purpose of humanitarian action in South Sudan is to save lives and alleviate suffering. We look forward to continuing to work with community members and leaders to ensure that the conditions are in place to enable us to do so. Background: The HCT is the strategic decision-making body for humanitarian action in South Sudan and is comprised of UN agencies, NGOs and donors.
