Over one million people have fled to South Sudan due to the conflict in Sudan, according to IOM and UNHCR. Most arrivals are South Sudanese nationals who had previously sought refuge in Sudan. IOM and UNHCR are providing essential support but face challenges as local resources strain under the influx of displaced individuals.
In a significant humanitarian development, over one million individuals have fled to South Sudan due to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, marking a new peak in the escalating displacement crisis. According to recent figures from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), since April 2023, more than 770,200 people have entered through the Wunthou border point, with thousands more seeking refuge at various transit hubs.
The majority of those arriving are South Sudanese nationals who had previously sought safety in Sudan. Additionally, a significant number of Sudanese citizens, as well as nationals from third countries, are now in South Sudan due to the violent upheaval. IOM and UNHCR have employed biometric registration and tracking mechanisms to monitor and document this unprecedented influx of displaced individuals.
IOM and UNHCR have raised alarm about the critical situation as human displacement continues, with both organizations facilitating essential support services, including transportation, financial assistance, and healthcare provisions. These efforts are crucial as families are forced to choose between remaining in perilous conditions or escaping to seek security across the border.
Sanaa Abdalla Omer, Deputy Representative of UNHCR in South Sudan, emphasized, “The arrival of over a million people into South Sudan is a stark and sobering statistic, illustrating the increasing scale of this crisis. The people of South Sudan have shown remarkable kindness, but they cannot bear this burden alone, and the international community must provide critical support to both displaced families and host communities.”
Vijaya Souri, Chief of Mission at IOM South Sudan, stated, “As the crisis in Sudan continues to unfold, IOM is committed to addressing the urgent needs of refugees and will enhance its response. Sustainable support for both displaced persons and host communities is critical as local resources are increasingly strained.”
While local populations have demonstrated exceptional goodwill in welcoming the displaced individuals, vital resources like water, sanitation, and healthcare are highly overstretched. The ongoing cholera outbreak in the region further complicates the situation and increases the demand for clean water and enhanced healthcare services.
The scale of displacement from the Sudan conflict highlights the urgent need for additional humanitarian assistance and funds. IOM and UNHCR are on the frontline, providing life-saving support at border entry points and facilitating the relocation of newcomers to transit centers, as conditions worsen due to inadequate resources. The existing transit centers are overwhelmed, accommodating more than four times their intended capacity.
The South Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan for 2025 reveals the growing pressures faced by humanitarian organizations, projecting an influx of 337,000 new arrivals. Continuous displacement necessitates immediate support from international donors, as the situation remains dire. IOM and UNHCR express gratitude for past assistance but stress that more resources are essential to address the deepening humanitarian emergency in the region.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has precipitated a significant humanitarian crisis, resulting in high levels of displacement as individuals flee violence and insecurity. The data provided by IOM and UNHCR reflects the severity of this situation, indicating a record number of arrivals in South Sudan as families search for safety. The agencies are actively working to mitigate the crisis through various support services, even as they confront overwhelming demand and limited resources.
In conclusion, the displacement crisis resulting from the conflict in Sudan has reached unprecedented levels, with over one million individuals seeking refuge in South Sudan. IOM and UNHCR are mobilizing resources to provide critical support, although challenges persist due to stretched local capacities. Urgent international aid is required to assist both displaced individuals and the communities that are hosting them, ensuring the delivery of essential services amid a worsening humanitarian landscape.
Original Source: allafrica.com
