South Sudan Sees Record High of One Million New Arrivals Amid Sudan Crisis
South Sudan has seen over one million individuals arrive from Sudan due to ongoing conflict, marking a record in humanitarian displacement. The majority are South Sudanese returning home, alongside Sudanese and foreign nationals. IOM and UNHCR are directing efforts to provide essential services amid resource shortages as conditions worsen and the need for support grows.
South Sudan has recently recorded the arrival of over one million individuals fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan, as reported by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). This unprecedented influx is linked to almost two years of violence, particularly escalated since April 2023. Critical border entry points have seen significant numbers, with over 770,200 individuals accessing South Sudan through Wunthou (Joda) and others entering via strategic sites across various states.
The majority of the new arrivals are South Sudanese nationals who had previously sought refuge in Sudan during South Sudan’s own civil turmoil. Additionally, this crisis has forcibly displaced thousands of Sudanese nationals and individuals from other countries who were residing in Sudan. The IOM and UNHCR emphasize the urgent need for humanitarian response to address the needs of these displaced persons and the local communities hosting them.
Both organizations are alarmed by the emerging situation, as they are currently providing critical support such as transport assistance, cash aid, and healthcare services to the affected populations. Sanaa Abdalla Omer, UNHCR South Sudan Deputy Representative, highlights the need for international assistance to complement the efforts of local communities who have shown immense generosity despite limited resources.
Vijaya Souri, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission, noted the commitment to address urgent needs and stressed the importance of sustainable support for both displaced individuals and host communities. Local resources, particularly in healthcare and sanitation, are stretched thin, exacerbated by an ongoing cholera outbreak.
The crisis in Sudan continues to escalate, resulting in an urgent demand for additional humanitarian support. The UNHCR and IOM continue to facilitate the relocation of displaced individuals to transit centers and highlight the significant challenges faced with inadequate resources. Two transit centers intended for 4,800 individuals are currently hosting over 16,000, underscoring the pressure on local services.
The South Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 anticipates a growing need for resources, projecting 337,000 new arrivals next year amid ongoing displacement. While the humanitarian organizations acknowledge their partners’ contributions, they express the necessity for enhanced funding to meet the needs of this deepening crisis.
The humanitarian situation in South Sudan has been severely impacted by the conflict in neighboring Sudan. Since April 2023, violence in Sudan has forced millions to flee, with South Sudan becoming a primary refuge. As the influx grows, the local communities and humanitarian agencies strive to provide essential support while facing significant resource limitations. This crisis reiterates the interdependence between geopolitical tensions and humanitarian needs in the region.
The situation in South Sudan demands immediate international attention as over one million refugees have arrived fleeing the Sudan conflict. While local populations exhibit commendable hospitality, the overwhelming numbers strain existing resources and necessitate enhanced assistance from global partners. The UNHCR and IOM reiterate the urgent need for humanitarian support to sustain both the arrivals and the host communities, highlighting an escalating humanitarian emergency that requires coordinated efforts to address effectively.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
