UNHCR –
UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, together with 123 partners, projects a need of 1.4 billion dollars this year to meet the needs of 2.3 million South Sudanese refugees living in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. A similar number of people living in local communities in the five countries of asylum will benefit from the services and support provided through the Regional Refugee Response Plan.
Since the conflict in South Sudan began more than a decade ago, growing humanitarian needs, coupled with severe food shortages, persistent insecurity and the impact of climate change, have prolonged the exile of South Sudanese refugees and caused new displacements. Floods that have destroyed homes and livelihoods for four consecutive years have caused further displacement across borders.
“Thanks to the significant progress and laudable efforts made by partners over the past decade, this year’s Regional Refugee Response Plan builds on the incremental progress already achieved and demonstrates that if the resources are there, humanitarian aid, combined with investment in resilience (for refugees as well as for the communities that have welcomed them) facilitates long-term solutions,” said Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Director for East Africa, the Horn of Africa and the Greater Lakes.
Partners will build on the results already achieved with host country governments and regional bodies to improve the protection of refugees and asylum seekers through improved access to asylum and civil documentation. The plan also aims to support the efficient distribution of humanitarian aid and protection services, including the prevention and response to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation.
The inclusion of refugees and asylum seekers in the NHS, public education and other systems, as well as other initiatives aimed at boosting people’s self-sufficiency through employment opportunities, are at the heart of this country’s response plan. year. The partners’ aim will be to improve resilience support solutions for refugees and host communities through strategic partnerships with the private sector and development agencies.
Mental health care will be given priority, especially among young South Sudanese refugees, especially as many are losing hope for the future due to limited opportunities. A new element in this year’s plan is partnerships and financing that aim to enable displaced populations and host communities to increase their resilience to climate change.
The plan will develop inclusion policies led by the Intergovernmental Authority on Development (IGAD) and the East African Community (EAC) and will align with the commitments made last December to 2023 Global Refugee Forum from governments, the private sector and donors.
Despite these inclusive policies and the generosity of host countries in welcoming South Sudanese refugees, global solidarity has diminished as the situation has continued. In 2023, partners received only 21% of the resources needed, far less than what was required to guarantee all South Sudanese refugees a dignified life. In 2022, only a third of the requested sums were received.
“Many countries in the region are undoubtedly facing complex challenges that often require significant financial effort. However, the people of South Sudan deserve our attention and support, so that they can contribute meaningfully to society and acquire skills for the time when they can return home,” Balde said.
South Sudan remains the most serious refugee crisis in all of Africa. While the war in Sudan has forced nearly 200,000 South Sudanese to return to their country prematurely, more than 2 million people in the region still require international protection. We once again call for renewed solidarity in support of the people of South Sudan and their host countries.
