The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and partners have appealed for $1.2 billion to assist 2.3 million South Sudanese refugees and communities in five countries.

The UN agency says the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan, and Uganda will be supported in their efforts to integrate the refugees in national systems for social service delivery.

There are 4.3 million people, including children, in need of humanitarian assistance in the country.

As refugees continue to seek asylum across neighbouring countries, resources at local communities hosting them continue to get stretched.

According to the UN refugee agency, with the availability of adequate funding, refugees and their host communities will be able to receive the assistance needed to boost their resilience.

‘After nearly a decade of conflict and despite efforts toward implementing the peace agreement, South Sudan continues to grapple with sporadic violence, chronic food insecurity and the devastating impact of major flooding’, UNHCR’s Spokesman, Matthew Saltmarsh, said in a statement.

‘The Covid-19 pandemic has also strained people’s resources, significantly reducing their ability to sustainably meet their needs’.

He also said, ‘Funding is urgently needed to help these host countries to provide food, shelter, and access to essential services such as education and health care.

‘Governments in the five countries of asylum will be supported in their efforts to integrate South Sudanese refugees in national systems for social service delivery’.

Source: UNHCR

Photo source: EUCPHA