IOM requires just over 131 million dollars for operations in South Sudan this year, but faces a Funding gap of $29 million.
‘An extraordinary burden’
The UN agency and its partners are supporting authorities in piloting government-led solutions under the UN Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement, whose objectives include ensuring effective protection and assistance for those who have been uprooted and preventing new displacement crises from arising.
“South Sudan bears an extraordinary burden and funding shortages risk undermining progress towards lasting solutions for millions of people.”said IOM Deputy Director General of Operations, Ugochi Daniels, who is currently visiting the country.
“Displaced families and host communities are trying to rebuild their lives, but the tension is real. Without sustained support and progress toward peace, these communities could face renewed instability and displacement.”
Conflict inside and outside the borders
Millions of people remain displaced within South Sudan and across borders due to years of conflict, flooding and instability.
Significant aid cuts are limiting the delivery of vital assistance and slowing progress toward a longer-term recovery.
South Sudan is also grappling with new arrivals fleeing war between rival armies in Sudan that broke out in April 2023. Since then, more than 1.3 million people have crossed the border.. The majority, 67 percent, are returnees from South Sudan.
The situation is putting immense pressure on border communities, overstretched services and fragile infrastructure.
The Bentiu Protection of Civilians site in South Sudan, one of the largest displacement sites in the country, is home to tens of thousands of internally displaced people.
ease the burden
The northern town of Renk is among the main entry points for people fleeing war-torn Sudan, and humanitarian needs remain dire.
“Emergency assistance, health screening, protection support and onward transportation remain critical to stabilizing new arrivals and easing the burden on host communities already facing limited resources,” IOM said.
Ms. Daniels traveled to the town of Bentiu, where families are returning to their homes and rebuilding after years of displacement and flooding.
“Demes, drainage and water pumping make it possible, but Durable recovery depends on security and continued investment in basic services and livelihoods.“he wrote in a tweet.
In response to the overall situation, IOM highlighted the need for strong coordination and leadership based on close collaboration with the South Sudanese authorities, reliable humanitarian access to people in need, and security for humanitarian workers.