The UN says humanitarian workers are being asked to pay for their passage at illegal checkpoints across the country.

The Undersecretary for Humanitarian Affairs, Valerie Amos, says these illegal checkpoints are hindering the work of the humanitarian agencies.

“On the ground, roadblocks are just being suddenly established and demand being made of humanitarian workers that they pay to enable the convoys go through,” said Ms Amos.

“This is an issue that we are going to have to find a way of addressing because we cannot afford to have humanitarian supplies, humanitarian work, put at risk.”

Many aid groups have reported harassment of their workers on roads.

“One of the key elements of the way we work is that we should be able to work an unhindered,” she continued.

“Humanitarian workers do not have a political Agenda our work is all about helping those people who are most in need.”

Ms Amos has urged the warring parties to give access to humanitarian workers to reach the people displaced by the conflict.

Officials at the Ministry of Interior did not comment on the matter.