The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has warned that the conflict in Sudan shows no signs of abating, with a recent surge in refugees overwhelming border services in South Sudan.
Over 80,000 people have sought refuge in South Sudan within the past three weeks, significantly exceeding previous arrival rates. This influx has put a tremendous strain on already limited resources in the host country.
Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating humanitarian situation.
“The humanitarian response to support this sudden influx remains woefully underfunded, with only 24% of people’s needs this year received,” she stated at a UN press conference.
The majority of those fleeing are women and children, arriving in remote and hard-to-reach border areas with critical humanitarian needs.
“Refugees and returning South Sudanese are staying in makeshift shelters, and some are sheltering under trees,” Verney said. “Despite the limited services and resources available in these border locations, many are reluctant to move onwards, hoping the security situation improves in Sudan, allowing them to return home swiftly.”
The refugee agency official highlighted the dire humanitarian conditions facing refugees. Malnutrition rates exceed emergency thresholds, with limited access to food, clean water, and healthcare.
“Lack of clean water and insufficient latrines and sanitation facilities are also exacerbating the situation, posing a real risk of the spread of cholera and other deadly diseases. Local health facilities are either limited, overwhelmed, or nonfunctional,” she noted.