Responding to the growing humanitarian impact of the political crisis in South Sudan, Emma Drew, Oxfam's South Sudan acting country director said:
"We ask all political leaders who have begun talks today in Ethiopia to urgently agree a halt to the violence and work actively towards resolution of the crisis.
"We strongly condemn the use of violent force against civilians and request the South Sudanese security forces and other armed groups to respect human rights of all its people regardless of ethnic origin."
Oxfam is concerned about the growing humanitarian needs in Awerial, Lakes State, for the 75,000 people who have fled from the conflict in Jonglei. The international aid agency is working to deliver clean water, build toilets, and promote public health.
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For more information and to arrange interviews with Oxfam spokespeople in South Sudan, please contact Grace Cahill on +44 7582 500 903.
GRACE CAHILL | Humanitarian Press Officer OXFAM | +44 7582 500 903 | +44 1865 473415 | twitter: grace_cahill | skype: gracecahill