The warning emerges as the world’s youngest nation remains among the top displacement crises, with nearly 10 million people requiring humanitarian assistance, including returnees fleeing the war in neighboring Sudan.
IOM needs just over $131 million for operations in South Sudan this year but is facing a $29 million funding shortfall.
‘An extraordinary burden’
The UN agency and partners are aiding authorities in piloting government-led solutions under the UN Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement aimed at ensuring effective protection and assistance for those uprooted and preventing new displacement crises.
“South Sudan is bearing an extraordinary burden, and funding gaps risk hindering progress toward durable solutions for millions,” said IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, Ugochi Daniels, who is currently visiting the country.
“Displaced families and host communities are striving to rebuild their lives, but the strain is evident. Without ongoing support and progress toward peace, these communities could encounter renewed instability and displacement.”
Conflict within and beyond borders
Millions of people remain displaced within South Sudan and across borders due to years of conflict, flooding, and instability.
Major aid cuts are limiting the delivery of life-saving assistance and slowing progress toward long-term recovery.
South Sudan is also dealing with new arrivals fleeing the war between rival militaries in Sudan, which began in April 2023. Since then, more than 1.3 million people have crossed the border. The majority, 67 percent, are South Sudanese returnees.
The situation is placing immense pressure on border communities, stretched services, and fragile infrastructure.
Bentiu Protection of Civilians site in South Sudan, one of the largest displacement sites in the country, hosts tens of thousands of internally displaced persons.
Ease the burden
The northern town of Renk is among the main entry points for people escaping from war-torn Sudan, and humanitarian needs are acute.
“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 stated.
Ms. Daniels traveled to the city of Bentiu where families are returning home and rebuilding after years of displacement and floods.
“Dikes, drainage, and water pumping, make this possible, but lasting recovery depends on security and continued investment in basic services and livelihoods,” she tweeted.
In response to the overall situation, IOM emphasized the need for strong coordination and leadership grounded in close partnership with South Sudanese authorities, reliable humanitarian access to those in need, and security for humanitarian workers.
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