David Stanton (Cork East, Fine Gael)
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35. To ask the Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade his views on the current situation in South Sudan; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [38191/20]

Colm Brophy (Dublin South West, Fine Gael)
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South Sudan continues to endure an ongoing crisis, in large part the consequence of civil war. Since the outbreak of conflict in 2013, almost 400,000 people have died and more than 7.5 million people are in need of humanitarian assistance out of an estimated population of 12 million. This has been compounded by the impact of flooding and COVID-19.

In 2018, President Salva Kiir signed a peace agreement with the opposition and a unity Government was formed in February of this year. A transitional three-year period is now under way. However, the situation is very fragile with key aspects of the peace deal still to be implemented, including the creation of a unified army, local governance and transitional justice measures.

It is critical that all the parties to the conflict maintain their commitment to implementing the peace agreement. While the ceasefire is largely holding between the main opposition parties, I am concerned that sub-national violence and human rights abuses continue to cause immense harm to civilians.

Ireland strongly supports efforts to build peace in South Sudan. Since 2018, funding of €800,000 has been provided to the regional bloc IGAD (Intergovernmental Authority for Development). While a sustained resolution to the conflict is the ultimate goal, addressing humanitarian need remains a priority for Ireland. Almost €80 million in humanitarian funding has been provided since 2012 to our UN and NGO partners, for lifesaving support to those suffering from the conflict.

Ireland continues to monitor the situation closely, including via our Embassy in Addis Ababa which is accredited to South Sudan, and via the EU Delegation in Juba. In the context of our upcoming tenure on the UN Security Council, on which South Sudan will feature as a regular agenda item, Ireland will continue to engage closely on these issues including on the role of the UN Peacekeeping Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), and protection of civilians.