Tearfund urges more aid funding, protection for workers in South Sudan
Author: Lasuba Memo | Published: 15 minutes ago
Tearfund’s Country Director, Erickson Bisetsa.
TearFund Country Director is calling for increased humanitarian funding and stronger protection for aid workers in South Sudan as the world marks World Humanitarian Day.
Erickson Bisetsa says reduced international funding is putting additional pressure on humanitarian operations at a time when needs are growing.
Speaking to Eye Radio on World Humanitarian Day, Bisetsa said humanitarian workers deserve recognition for continuing to support vulnerable communities despite difficult conditions.
“As we commemorate this World Humanitarian Day, the key message is conveying appreciation to all the humanitarian workers doing their level best to support communities in need across the country. They are doing commendable work and they really deserve credits.”
Bisetsa said South Sudan should remain a priority for international donors, particularly because the country is also hosting refugees and receiving returnees fleeing the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.
“Yes, some institutional donors have reduced funding and I think it would be important to continue prioritizing South Sudan because South Sudan is also extending their generosity to host refugees and also supporting returnees who are fleeing conflict in Sudan.”
He said continued donor support is critical for life-saving interventions, including responses to disease outbreaks such as cholera.
The humanitarian funding situation has deteriorated following significant reductions in international assistance, including cuts to U.S. foreign aid, which has historically provided substantial support to humanitarian operations in South Sudan.
The funding gap comes as humanitarian needs remain high, with millions of people requiring assistance across the country.
Beyond funding, Bisetsa called for greater protection of humanitarian workers, citing deadly attacks against aid personnel.
He referred to the killing of six humanitarian workers from the John De Dau Foundation in Jonglei State in June as an example of the security risks faced by aid workers.
“So, safety of our humanitarian workers should be basically guaranteed at all times.”
Bisetsa said the deaths of humanitarian personnel are a global concern, citing estimates that nearly 350 aid workers were killed worldwide in 2025.
“So, it’s an alarming number. Even one life that is lost is very critical. It matters.”
The United Nations says 36 humanitarian workers have been killed in South Sudan since the beginning of 2026, underscoring the risks faced by personnel delivering assistance in conflict-affected areas.
Aid agencies say insecurity not only threatens the lives of humanitarian workers but can also restrict access to communities that depend on humanitarian assistance.
As South Sudan marks World Humanitarian Day, humanitarian organizations are urging the government, armed groups and the international community to ensure the safety of aid workers and maintain funding for critical services.
The appeal comes as South Sudan continues to deal with displacement, food insecurity, disease outbreaks and the effects of the conflict in neighbouring Sudan.