BRUSSELS, March 17 -- The European Union (EU) Foreign Affairs Council on Monday called for international humanitarian aid to war-torn South Sudan, which is plagued by famine, displaced people and other crises.

In a conclusion reached by EU foreign ministers, all partners are urged to contribute both generously and swiftly to the South Sudan Crisis Response Plan, which aims to raise 1.27 billion U.S. dollars.

The conclusion also called for aligned efforts to address the African country's increasing food insecurity and to strengthen the resilience of the population.

"The EU is alarmed by the increasingly desperate humanitarian situation, including a significant risk of famine," said the conclusion. "Since the outbreak of the conflict in mid-December 2013, more than 900,000 have been forced from their homes. Around 3.7 million people are severely food insecure."

According to the conclusion, the EU and its member states have so far pledged support to the tune of 110 million euros (about 152.9 million U.S. dollars), and it also welcomes the role of the UN in coordinating the humanitarian response.

The conclusion also condemns continued restrictions on humanitarian activities and calls on all parties to allow rapid, full, safe and unhindered humanitarian access to all populations in need, in accordance with international humanitarian law and principles.