The European Union has pledged to increase its humanitarian response to South Sudan by $54 million.

The Union’s Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management, Christos Styliandes says they will work together with the international community to collect more funds in June.

He spoke to the media yesterday after the conclusion of a two-day visit to South Sudan.

“I have proposed to increase the EU humanitarian funding for South Sudan crisis by a further $54 million dollars,” Mr Styliandes confirmed.

“$38 million of it will be dedicated to the humanitarian response inside the country and 16 million dollars will be for the South Sudanese refugees in the region.”

He added his visit was also to show the solidarity of the European Union with South Sudan.

“My visit though it was short has taken me to the different parts of the country where I have seen the suffering of the people – people that have lost their livelihoods and lack opportunity towards a living,” he stressed.

“I have met civilians who are no longer enjoying the dignity that comes with self-reliance.”

Last week, the European Union provided more than $2 million to support the emergency response to South Sudanese refugees in Uganda.

The funds were to facilitate immunization, nutrition, water and sanitation projects.