Independence of South Sudan is moment of hope

(July 13, 2011) Caritas Internationalis said that the independence for South Sudan marks a moment of hope after decades of war and the loss of millions of lives. The Republic of South Sudan became independent from the rest of Sudan on 9 July under the Comprehensive Peace Agreement of 2005.
Caritas Internationalis Secretary General Michel Roy, who was in Juba, the capital of South Sudan, for the independence day celebrations said that Independence marks the end of a long walk to freedom for the people of South Sudan. He said millions of lives have been sacrificed on that journey and millions more have been forced from their homes. “Caritas and our Catholic Church partners have walked with them, trying to bring divided communities together, providing humanitarian relief and supporting development programmes and urging governments to ensure international support for the peace process. He said that Caritas is committed to working with the people of South Sudan. Providing basic needs such as clean water, health, and food will be the immediate priority. Caritas also aims to increase long-term assistance that lifts people out of poverty and builds a diverse economy through education, agriculture, providing livelihoods and rebuilding infrastructure, he added. Noting that many of the key provisions of the peace deal have not yet been implemented. He said the international community must ensure that all of the Comprehensive Peace Agreement is fully realised.