The United Nations has expressed profound sorrow over the killing of five humanitarian workers whose convoy was ambushed in South Sudan, as violence continues to plague the conflict-ridden nation.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric told a news conference on Tuesday that the five aid workers were traveling in a convoy operated by a local partner when it was attacked on Monday in Duk County, Jonglei State. Four others were injured, and several civilians were reportedly killed or wounded.

“We join our resident and humanitarian coordinator, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, in strongly condemning the attack,” Dujarric said, noting that the convoy was clearly marked as humanitarian. He called for a prompt investigation, stating that attacks on humanitarian workers are unacceptable and violate international humanitarian law. Since January, 29 aid workers and contractors have been killed.

The John Dau Foundation (JDF), whose convoy was targeted, said in a Facebook statement that the convoy was traveling between Payuel Payam and Pajut in Panyang Payam, Duk County, carrying staff returning from a World Food Programme-supported training session. “While JDF has endured significant losses over the years, this incident represents the most grievous and sombre chapter in our organization’s history,” the statement read, calling for prayers and support for the bereaved families.

In separate remarks, Dujarric said the UN peacekeeping mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) released a report documenting over 760 deaths between January and March, an 89% increase from the previous quarter. The report also recorded a sharp rise in conflict-related sexual violence.

The special representative of the secretary-general and head of UNMISS, Anita Kiki Gbeho, urged all parties to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian and human rights law. Since gaining independence in 2011, South Sudan has experienced repeated deadly conflicts, triggering one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.

Source: www.aljazeera.com