Support Needed for South Sudanese Refugees in Africa
The UN refugee agency, UNHCR, and partners have appealed for $1.4 billion to support over two million South Sudanese refugees in five African countries and their host communities. The ongoing conflict in South Sudan, compounded by food shortages, insecurity, and climate change impacts, has kept refugees in exile and led to new displacements.
Challenges Faced by South Sudanese Refugees
- Humanitarian needs have grown over the past decade
- Dire food shortages and continued insecurity
- Impacts of climate change
Four years of consecutive flooding have further worsened the situation, destroying homes and livelihoods and prompting additional cross-border movements. South Sudan remains Africa’s largest refugee crisis, with over two million refugees in need of international protection.
Regional Refugee Response Plan
The South Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan aims to meet the needs of 2.3 million citizens currently residing in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda. Local communities in these countries will also benefit from the plan.
Efforts and Progress
UNHCR’s Regional Director for the East and Horn of Africa and Great Lakes region, Mamadou Dian Balde, highlighted the progress made over the past decade. The Regional Refugee Response Plan builds on this progress and emphasizes the importance of humanitarian aid and resilience investments for refugees and host communities to find long-term solutions.
Protection and Assistance
The regional refugee plan will enhance access to asylum and civil documentation for refugees and asylum-seekers, aiming to improve the protection environment. It also focuses on preventing and responding to gender-based violence and sexual exploitation.
Healthcare and Self-Reliance
The plan includes initiatives to integrate refugees into national healthcare and education systems, as well as providing employment opportunities for self-reliance. Mental health, especially among young South Sudanese refugees, is a priority due to limited opportunities and hope for the future.
Climate Resilience
This year’s plan emphasizes partnerships and increased financing to enhance climate resilience for both displaced people and host communities.