A high-level UN summit on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan has called for an end to armed conflict and access for humanitarian aid in the country.

The summit, which was attended by UN and African Union officials, South Sudan delegation and members of TROIKA, urged South Sudanese leaders to halt a slide into deeper violence.

The high-level meeting on the humanitarian situation was attended by UN Secretary-General, Ban ki-Moon, First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai and representatives of the African Union, Norway, United Kingdom, and UN agencies.

In his opening remarks, the UN Secretary General, Ban ki-Moon said continues violence in South Sudan has raised the stakes for humanitarian disaster.

Mr. ki-Moon says reports of new violence erupting in most parts of the country have displaced more civilians, and this has added the burden on the already overcrowded refugee camps in the neighboring countries.

He said more funds are needed to support the internally displaced persons and refugee camps.

“Humanitarians can only fulfill their mandate if parties to the conflict respect their independence and donors step up their support,” the UN boss stressed.

“There is no military solution to this conflict, only great misery and suffering for the many at the hands of the few.”

Mr ki-Moon called on the international community to put more pressure on the leaders of South Sudan to uphold the peace agreement, and put the interest of their people above political divides.

The African Union Commissioner for Political Affairs, Aisha Abdulla told the summit that the Transitional Government of National Unity has the duty to protect humanitarian activities in South Sudan.

Madam Aisha said the TGoNU should immediately address reports of rape and harassment of humanitarian workers.

“The African Union is calling on all parties to uphold their responsibilities as provided for in the International Humanitarian Law – to protect civilians in the country,” she said.

“This means ensuring protection of the South Sudanese not involved in the conflict, foreigners in the country, and humanitarian workers.”

For his part, the Norwegian Foreign Affairs Minister, Børge Brende said the peace agreement provides for reforms that addresses the root causes of conflicts in South Sudan.

Mr Brende called for the speedy implementation of the agreement.

He said: “It is also about the political will among the leaders to sit down and reconcile, and find solutions – not fighting them out on the ground –at the cost of the children, women and the most vulnerable in South Sudan.”

The First Vice President, Taban Deng Gai, who led the government delegation, said the government is embarking on improving coordination between aid organizations and security officers.

Taban appealed to the international community to support the TGoNU in addressing the challenges brought by the conflict:

“We need your encouragement. I believe that now given the current set up of the government, and with unity in the presidency and the council of ministers, we are going to achieve successful stories in time to come.”

Representatives who attended the high-level meeting on the humanitarian situation in South Sudan pledged more financial support to the civilians and the Transitional Government of National Unity.