[Episcopal Public Policy Network policy alert] Last week, the the United Nations and the government of South Sudan declared a state of famine in parts of South Sudan, the most severe state of food insecurity based on mortality, malnutrition, and According to the United Nations, 100,000 South Sudanese are facing imminent starvation, and millions more are on the brink of starvation. More than 4.9 million people need urgent food-related assistance, almost half of the new country’s population.

The crisis has worsened is recent months, despite high-level appeals for humanitarian relief. On a recent visit, Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby has called the famine a “dire situation” requiring an “urgent humanitarian and prayerful response.”

The famine declaration comes as South Sudan continues to be embroiled in multiple armed conflicts that have left millions of people displaced and tens of thousands killed or injured.

Our brothers and sisters in South Sudan need our support. Please take a moment to ask your members of Congress to provide funding support to help address the humanitarian crisis in South Sudan.

Urge your members of Congress to provide funding to address famine in South Sudan