South Sudan has seen over one million new arrivals from Sudan, fleeing ongoing conflict as reported by IOM and UNHCR. Many are South Sudanese nationals who had previously sought refuge in Sudan. The situation has strained local resources, necessitating international support and humanitarian assistance to address the crisis effectively.
As of January 21, 2024, South Sudan has experienced a record influx of over one million individuals fleeing the ongoing conflict in Sudan. This significant migration surge follows nearly two years of violence, as reported by the IOM and UNHCR. Since the conflict intensified in April 2023, more than 770,200 people have arrived at various entry points along South Sudan’s northern border, particularly through Wunthou (Joda), which has emerged as a critical transit hub.
Many of the new arrivals are South Sudanese who had sought refuge in Sudan during South Sudan’s civil war, while others include Sudanese nationals experiencing displacement for the first time. In addition, individuals from other nations residing in Sudan are also crossing into South Sudan in search of safety. The increasing numbers indicate an urgent need for intervention from humanitarian organizations.
The IOM and UNHCR are alarmed by this milestone and have underscored the necessity for robust humanitarian response efforts. They are providing essential support such as transport assistance, cash aid, shelter, non-food items, protection services, and healthcare since the outbreak of hostilities. “The arrival of over a million people into South Sudan is a stark statistic and reflects the crisis’s worsening scale,” stated Sanaa Abdalla Omer, UNHCR Deputy Representative in South Sudan.
Despite the local communities’ generosity and willingness to assist those in need, resources are depleting rapidly, especially concerning water, sanitation, and healthcare. The situation is exacerbated by an ongoing cholera outbreak, highlighting the urgent requirement for improved clean water access and enhanced healthcare systems. A growing number of displaced people stresses the necessity for enhanced international support.
As the humanitarian emergency deepens, the UN agencies emphasize the importance of funding and resources to effectively address the escalating crisis. Many transit centers are currently overwhelmed, such as the ones in Renk, which are hosting four times their intended capacity. Plans for 2025 anticipate an influx of 337,000 additional new arrivals, illustrating the dire need for continued humanitarian action in South Sudan.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has triggered a significant humanitarian crisis, leading to an unprecedented number of individuals seeking refuge in neighboring countries, particularly South Sudan. This surge in migration stems from escalating violence and a deteriorating security situation in Sudan, complicating the already challenging humanitarian landscape in South Sudan, which has its own history of conflict and displacement. The response from international agencies such as IOM and UNHCR highlights the immediate need for support systems to accommodate the increased numbers of refugees and returnees.
The influx of over one million people from Sudan into South Sudan marks a critical and alarming moment in the ongoing humanitarian crisis. As local resources become increasingly strained, the urgent need for international support grows stronger. The humanitarian response efforts by IOM and UNHCR are vital to ensure the well-being of both new arrivals and host communities during this challenging period. Collaborative efforts and additional funding are essential to address the escalating needs of those affected by this crisis effectively.
Original Source: reliefweb.int
