Over one million people have fled to South Sudan due to the Sudan conflict, resulting in a severe humanitarian crisis. The IOM and UNHCR report that most new arrivals are South Sudanese nationals, with thousands more displaced Sudanese. Urgent assistance is needed as local resources are stretched beyond capacity, and the international community must step up support.
Recent figures reveal that over one million individuals have fled to South Sudan due to ongoing conflict in Sudan, marking a significant humanitarian crisis. The data, released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), indicates that since April 2023, more than 770,200 people have entered through the Wunthou border crossing. Other critical transit points include Majokyinthiou, Panakuach, and Abyei Amiet, where thousands seek refuge from violence.
The majority of new arrivals comprise South Sudanese nationals who had been residing in Sudan, many of whom were previously displaced by South Sudan’s earlier civil war. Additionally, a growing number of Sudanese nationals and residents from other countries are now seeking safety in South Sudan. The IOM and UNHCR have diligently tracked this influx using biometric registration and population monitoring systems.
Both organizations express serious concern regarding this new surge in displacement. They have been actively providing essential services such as transportation, cash assistance, shelter, mental health support, and healthcare since hostilities escalated. Despite local communities demonstrating remarkable hospitality, the strains on resources remain a pressing issue.
Sanaa Abdalla Omer, UNHCR South Sudan Deputy Representative, commented on the critical situation, emphasizing the necessity for international support to assist both the displaced and the communities hosting them. Additionally, Vijaya Souri, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission, noted the commitment to addressing urgent needs and highlighted the importance of sustainable assistance for both displaced individuals and host communities.
With existing infrastructure overwhelmed, the two transit centers in Renk, originally designed for 4,800 people, are facing severe strain, currently hosting over 16,000 individuals. The escalating health crisis, exemplified by a cholera outbreak, underscores the urgency for enhanced healthcare resources and clean water access. Humanitarian organizations are planning for even greater influxes as the crisis unfolds, with projections indicating the potential arrival of 337,000 new individuals by 2025.
The situation demands immediate action, as insufficient resources hinder the provision of necessary services, despite ongoing support from various donors and partners. The need for comprehensive humanitarian assistance is critical to address this escalating emergency and ensure the welfare of both displaced persons and host communities.
The refugee crisis from Sudan to South Sudan is a direct consequence of the ongoing conflict that began escalating in April 2023. Historically, South Sudanese fleeing civil unrest sought refuge in Sudan, but recent hostilities have forcibly driven them back to their homeland, alongside newly displaced Sudanese nationals. The humanitarian response requires a coordinated effort among international agencies to provide immediate support, shelter, and healthcare amid increasing displacement rates and strained resources.
The situation in South Sudan as a result of the influx from Sudan necessitates urgent action and international support. With over one million individuals arriving in dire need of assistance, both the IOM and UNHCR are calling for enhanced resources to meet the growing humanitarian demands. Local communities have shown exceptional generosity; however, the scale of the crisis highlights the inadequacy of current support structures. Immediate and sustainable assistance is critical to addressing the ongoing humanitarian emergency.
Original Source: allafrica.com
