Juba
In a statement on their website yesterday, UNICEF South Sudan have announced Ms. Hamida Lasseko as their new representative for South Sudan. Lasseko brings 25 years of UNICEF experience to the role, having previously served as the organisation's representative in Iraq.
'I am looking forward to working with the Government of South Sudan and our partners to ensuring a better future for the children of this country', Ms. Lasseko has said.
'Children in South Sudan face huge challenges, as the country has one of the highest child mortality rates in the world as well as one of the lowest school enrolments. I am confident that with the continued support of the donor community and thanks to our strong partnerships throughout the country, we will ensure progress and help children develop their full potential', she stated.
Lasseko is a Tanzanian national with a UNICEF background spanning many of the world's poorest and most challenging nations. Having worked in countries including Iraq, Syria, Somalia, Sri Lanka, Afghanistan and Tanzania, she is well prepared to handle the obstacles South Sudan presents to UNICEF's work.
'South Sudan is at a crucial time in its history. As the implementation of the peace agreement is progressing, we all hope the country’s future will be stable and the development of the country will ensure better living conditions for all South Sudanese, particularly children', Lasseko noted.
Beginning her career in Tanzania, Lasseko joined UNICEF in 1996 assisting Burundian and Rwandese refugees in the west of the country. She has served as part of UNICEF’s post-Tsunami emergency response programme in Sri Lanka, and headed UNICEF field offices in Afghanistan and Somalia.
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