More than 200,000 South Sudanese refugees have fled conflict in Sudan and returned to South Sudan, but many find themselves stranded in remote border areas. Swedish contributions to UNHCR are vital to continuing the life-saving support in the region.
South Sudan is grappling with one of Africa’s largest displacement crises, exacerbated by the recent conflict in Sudan. The region already faced significant challenges, with an estimated 9.4 million people in need of humanitarian aid in 2023. Since the outbreak of fighting in Sudan in mid-April this year, more than five million have fled, with more than 290,000 individuals going to South Sudan to seek safety.
South Sudan has dealt with a decade of conflict and continues to grapple with sporadic violence, chronic food insecurity, and, during the rainy season, the devastating impact of flooding. This has led to an estimated 2.2 million people displaced internally and more than 2.3 million people having fled to neighboring countries, such as Sudan. However, many South Sudanese refugees residing in Sudan are returning to their home country to escape the ongoing violence.
Refugees, returnees, and third-country nationals arriving at the border in the past months have endured arduous journeys marked by extortion, interrogation, and harassment. Flooding due to the rainy season and climate change has compounded these challenges. Most of the arrivals are women and children, who face increased risks of discrimination and violence when forced to flee.
South Sudan has welcomed people fleeing Sudan despite the worsening humanitarian situation in the country, but the increased needs mean funding is imperative.
Sweden is one of the top contributors to UNHCR’s response in South Sudan, having contributed USD 1.4 million in 2023. This funding enables UNHCR to continue providing life-saving assistance to refugees, refugee returnees, internally displaced people, and third-country nationals in South Sudan.
Source: UNHCR
