Over one million people have fled to South Sudan due to the conflict in Sudan, marking a new record in the humanitarian crisis. Critical transit hubs are managing the arrivals, primarily South Sudanese nationals and new Sudanese refugees. Organizations like IOM and UNHCR are providing essential services while calling for increased international aid to support both displaced individuals and local communities.
Over one million individuals have fled to South Sudan due to the escalating conflict in Sudan, marking a significant milestone in the ongoing humanitarian crisis that has persisted over nearly two years of fighting. Data released by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reveals that since the conflict reignited in April 2023, more than 770,200 people have crossed into South Sudan through various entry points, notably Wunthou on the northern border.
Critical transit hubs such as Majokyinthiou, Panakuach, and Abyei Amiet are assisting many of these escapees. IOM and UNHCR have implemented biometric registration and monitoring processes to accurately capture the influx of those fleeing violence. The majority of arrivals are South Sudanese nationals who previously resided in Sudan, alongside thousands of Sudanese nationals and foreign residents experiencing displacement for the first time.
Both IOM and UNHCR have raised alarms about the grave situation, emphasizing the growing displacement crisis. In response, they have been providing vital services including transportation assistance, shelter, healthcare, and mental health support since the onset of hostilities. They underline the urgent need for increased international support to aid both newcomers and the South Sudanese communities hosting them.
Sanaa Abdalla Omer, Deputy Representative of UNHCR South Sudan, highlighted the drastic circumstances faced by over a million arrivals. She acknowledged the generosity of local South Sudanese communities as they welcome those in distress but stressed that they cannot shoulder this burden alone. She appealed to the global community to enhance support and provide essential resources to both displaced people and host communities.
In parallel, Vijaya Souri, Chief of Mission for IOM South Sudan, reiterated the organization’s dedication to addressing the immediate needs of newcomers. She noted the priority of transport assistance while emphasizing the necessity for sustainable support for both the displaced individuals and host communities, particularly as local resources are overstretched amidst a concurrent cholera outbreak.
The continuous influx of new arrivals highlights an urgent demand for humanitarian assistance as the conflict in Sudan persists, prompting IOM and UNHCR to deliver life-saving support at border points. The South Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 anticipates that 337,000 new arrivals will require assistance next year, illustrating the severe pressures on humanitarian organizations amidst this ongoing crisis.
As the situation develops, IOM and UNHCR express appreciation to their partners and donors for their support thus far. However, they stress the increasing need for additional resources to effectively address this deepening humanitarian emergency in South Sudan.
The humanitarian crisis in South Sudan has intensified due to the conflict in Sudan that began nearly two years ago. Following the outbreak of fighting in April 2023, a considerable number of people have sought refuge in South Sudan, established as a critical haven despite its own developmental challenges. Humanitarian organizations such as IOM and UNHCR have mobilized to provide assistance, facing progressively deteriorating conditions marked by both an influx of refugees and local resource shortages.
The record influx of over one million individuals into South Sudan, primarily driven by conflict in Sudan, emphasizes the growing humanitarian crisis in the region. Key humanitarian organizations have mobilized support efforts, yet the demand for resources and funding persists. Increased international support is crucial to address the needs of both displaced persons and host communities as the situation remains dire.
Original Source: allafrica.com
