South Sudan Faces Humanitarian Crisis as Over One Million Flee Sudan

South Sudan has seen over one million arrivals from Sudan amid escalating conflict, creating a severe humanitarian crisis. Key organizations like the IOM and UNHCR are providing assistance but highlight the urgent need for more resources. The situation places immense pressure on local services, necessitating increased international support.

Recent data indicates that over one million individuals have arrived in South Sudan after fleeing the violent conflict in Sudan, marking an alarming humanitarian milestone. This influx has been documented by the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). Since April 2023, at least 770,200 have crossed the northern border at Wunthou, with significant numbers also passing through Major transit points including Majokyinthiou, Panakuach, and Abyei Amiet.

Among those arriving, a large number are South Sudanese nationals who had previously sought refuge in Sudan, while thousands of first-time Sudanese refugees and other nationals are in search of safety. The IOM and UNHCR are actively conducting biometric registration and population tracking to monitor this rising crisis effectively.

Both organizations are sounding the alarm on this unprecedented displacement wave and working to provide critical support, including transport, cash assistance, shelter, and healthcare services. “The arrival of over a million people into South Sudan is a stark and sobering statistic,” stated Sanaa Abdalla Omer, UNHCR Deputy Representative, noting the dire need for coordinated humanitarian efforts.

IOM’s Vijaya Souri emphasized the necessity of sustainable support for local communities facing immense pressure from the influx, especially in vital sectors like healthcare and water. Many local resources are dangerously stretched, compounded by an ongoing cholera outbreak.

The scale of displacement triggered by the Sudanese conflict underscores an urgent need for increased humanitarian funding and assistance. Both UNHCR and IOM are facilitating the movement of new arrivals to transit centers while ensuring basic needs are met amidst critical service strains.

Despite efforts, some transit centers are currently overwhelmed, housing far more individuals than intended, prompting calls for immediate international support. The South Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 anticipates further pressures, planning for an additional 337,000 new arrivals this year.

Although grateful for existing support, humanitarian organizations underscore the pressing need for more resources to tackle the ongoing emergency and provide life-saving assistance effectively.

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has been exacerbated by nearly two years of conflict resulting in a substantial displacement of people. With fighting escalating, South Sudan has emerged as a primary destination for those fleeing the violence, creating significant challenges for both the newcomers and local communities. The IOM and UNHCR are monitoring the situation closely, actively working to provide aid and resources to those affected by this dire situation.

The situation in South Sudan illustrates the dire consequences of the Sudanese conflict, with over one million individuals seeking refuge. This unprecedented displacement emphasizes the need for urgent and sustained humanitarian support to manage the increasing number of displaced persons and alleviate pressure on host communities. Continued collaboration and increased funding are critical to addressing this humanitarian emergency.

Original Source: allafrica.com