africatodayonline.blogspot.com -
U.N. human rights chief Navi Pillay says South Sudan President Salva Kiir and rebel leader Riek Machar do not appear to be concerned about the prospect of famine in the crisis-hit country.
Pillay told reporters in Juba she was "appalled" after meeting with the two leaders, and that the violence that broke out in December has prevented people from planting crops.
The U.N. refugee agency is working to provide aid for those affected by the fighting, and says nearly 5 million people in South Sudan need humanitarian assistance.
Ethnic violence and clashes between rebel and government forces have killed thousands and displaced almost a million people. Another 400,000 people have fled to neighboring countries. Tens of thousands are sheltering on U.N. bases throughout the country to escape the violence.
