Secretary-General Urges South Sudanese Government to Immediately Reverse Decision to Expel United Nations Deputy Special Representative

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General condemns the Government of South Sudan's decision to expel the United Nations Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General/Resident Coordinator/Humanitarian Coordinator of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), Toby Lanzer.

Mr. Lanzer has been instrumental in addressing the increasing humanitarian needs of conflict-affected communities in the country and ensuring that life-saving humanitarian assistance reaches the most vulnerable.  This has been necessary because of continuing violence by both parties in the absence of a comprehensive peace agreement.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of South Sudan to reverse its decision immediately.  He further urges the Government to cooperate fully with all United Nations entities present in South Sudan.

Mr. Lanzer was coming to the end of his term, and in order to ensure continuity for this critical function, the Secretary-General has already appointed his successor, whose nomination was announced on 29 May.