Caritas Italiana, in collaboration with the worldwide network of Caritas Internationalis and other organizations has joined numerous calls for an end to the war in South Sudan, as violence against civilian still mar the nation.
According to release by Caritas Italiana, the young nation still suffers one of the worst humanitarian crises, eight years after it got its independence.
The aid agencies said seven million people lack food in the East African nation and some of its regions face the risk of famine.
Latest figures show over 1.9 million people are internally displaced, while an estimated 2.3 million refugees fled to neighbouring nations.
The release reads in part; “It is the fourth consecutive year that the conference has dedicated a portion of the “eight per thousand” funds to providing emergency aid, as well as sustaining income generating activities, rebuilding, and supporting reconciliation processes throughout the country.”
“The church is the largest beneficiary of these funds, which she uses for worship, pastoral work, and charitable causes,” it added.
Despite the country’s revitalized peace agreement signed in September 2018, violence against civilians, by both militias and government forces has continued in various parts of South Sudan.
Meanwhile Pope Francis, on several occasions, expressed his wish to visit South Sudan. Last year, plans for an ecumenical visit, together with Anglican Archbishop Justin Welby, failed for security reasons.
The Italian Caritas is the charitable arm of the Italian Bishops Conference with the aim of promoting charity in the Italian ecclesiastical community, in forms that are appropriate to the times and needs, for integral human development, social justice and peace, with special attention to the poor and primary pedagogical functions.