As of January 21, 2024, over one million people have fled to South Sudan due to the conflict in Sudan. Most arrivals are South Sudanese nationals, with significant assistance being provided by IOM and UNHCR. The humanitarian situation remains dire, requiring increased international support to address the growing needs of the displaced and host communities.
As of January 21, 2024, over one million individuals have fled to South Sudan due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, reflecting a significant humanitarian crisis. Data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reveals that since the fighting erupted in April 2023, more than 770,200 people have crossed into South Sudan, primarily through Wunthou (Joda), a northern border crossing. Other notable entry points include Majokyinthiou, Panakuach, and Amiet, which have become vital transit hubs for those escaping violence.
Most of the new arrivals include South Sudanese citizens who had previously sought refuge in Sudan, many of whom had already fled the South Sudanese civil war. The influx also encompasses thousands of Sudanese nationals displaced for the first time and individuals from other countries residing in Sudan. IOM and UNHCR have been implementing biometric registration and tracking to ensure accurate data collection since the onset of the conflict.
Both IOM and UNHCR have expressed serious concerns over the increasing number of displaced persons. These organizations have been providing essential support, including transportation assistance, cash aid, shelter, mental health services, and access to clean water and healthcare. The current situation highlights the urgent need for international assistance to support both displaced families and host communities in South Sudan.
Sanaa Abdalla Omer, UNHCR South Sudan Deputy Representative, remarked, “The arrival of over a million people into South Sudan is a stark and sobering statistic and truly shows the increasing scale of this crisis. …we urge the international community to step up support and ensure that both displaced families and host communities receive desperately needed support.”
Vijaya Souri, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission, emphasized, “As the crisis in Sudan continues to unfold, IOM is committed to addressing the urgent needs of those who have been forced to flee into South Sudan…more sustainable support for both displaced and host communities as local resources such as healthcare, water and shelter become dangerously overstretched.”
Despite the welcoming response from local communities in South Sudan, essential services, particularly in water, sanitation, and healthcare, are strained. The ongoing cholera outbreak further exacerbates the need for clean water and robust healthcare solutions. The increasing scale of displacement illustrates the necessity for enhanced humanitarian funding and support.
Humanitarian organizations continue to provide critical assistance at border entry points and facilitate relocation to transit centers in Renk and Malakal. However, resources remain insufficient; two transit centers designed for 4,800 individuals are reportedly housing over 16,000 people, leading to immense strain on services. The South Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 anticipates further pressures, projecting an additional 337,000 new arrivals.
In conclusion, the escalating crisis in Sudan necessitates immediate action to support displaced individuals and host communities in South Sudan. While IOM and UNHCR commend the support received from donors, it is imperative to increase resources to address the deepening humanitarian emergency.
The humanitarian crisis resulting from the conflict in Sudan has prompted a mass displacement of people into South Sudan over the past two years. The ongoing violence has dramatically affected numerous communities, leading to an influx of refugees and returning South Sudanese nationals. Organizations like IOM and UNHCR are working vigorously to respond to the urgent needs of those fleeing violence, emphasizing the responsibility of the international community in providing support for both displaced persons and the local populations that host them.
This article highlights the critical humanitarian crisis unfolding in South Sudan due to the conflict in Sudan, with over one million arrivals recorded. Despite the admirable efforts of local communities and humanitarian organizations, resources are insufficient to meet the growing needs of displaced individuals. Ongoing support from the international community is crucial to address the challenges faced by both refugees and host communities effectively.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
