Attachments
Operational Context & Analysis
Since the start of the fighting in Sudan on 15 April 2023, the influx of people fleeing to South Sudan has increased significantly. The UN and partners mobilized immediately to support the authorities of South Sudan in assisting people in hard-to-reach areas with very limited infrastructure, particularly in the most remote border areas, and in those locations where host communities are already extremely vulnerable. The authorities identified main border entry points along the Sudan-South Sudan border as areas expected to receive large number of cross-border movements. In these locations, UNHCR and IOM are supporting the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) in collecting data at 27 points of entry, setting up transit facilities and supporting voluntary movement of individuals to various areas, including areas of origin.
The conflict in Sudan has severely impacted the economic outlook of South Sudan, particularly of northern states that are largely dependent on imports from Sudan and where the prices of basic commodities, such as food and fuel, have skyrocketed. Prior to the beginning of the conflict in the neighboring country, South Sudan was already in a protracted humanitarian crisis with nearly 8 million people lacking access to enough food. According to WFP, South Sudan is experiencing its hungriest year since gaining independence in 2011. This level of food insecurity is even higher than it was during the civil war. Additionally, 2 million children as well as pregnant or breastfeeding women are malnourished in South Sudan.1 South Sudanese are suffering from chronic vulnerabilities and ever diminishing resilience due to years of violence, displacement and natural disasters. The arrival of newly displaced populations from Sudan may further complicate the humanitarian and protection response by stretching the already limited resources.
Amidst the current emergency, South Sudan finds itself at a critical juncture in the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement on the Resolution of the Conflict in the Republic of South Sudan. As part of the 2018 Revitalized Agreement, activities supporting constitution-making an elections are ongoing. To support these processes, consultations with IDPs, returnees, and refugees are taking place, with the aim to overcome barriers that hinder displaced populations’ participation in these processes, address their specific needs, and promote a sense of belonging. The active engagement of displaced populations is crucial for South Sudan’s transition towards stability and lasting peace. However, the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan has expressed grave concern over the country’s dwindling civic and political space, as well as the erosion of freedom of expression and association in South Sudan. This has resulted in crackdowns, arrests, and a climate of fear, prompting individuals to flee and returnees, IDPs, and refugees to self-censor out of fear of retaliation.2 The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for South Sudan and Head of the United Nations Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS) has also warned of further challenges impeding the implementation of the 2018 Revitalized Peace Agreement, such as the influx of returnees from Sudan, escalating violence in the city of Malakal, and the need to create civic and political space prior to holding credible elections.3 Addressing these concerns is essential as a prerequisite for effective engagement of returnees, IDPs, refugees, civil society, and other stakeholders in South Sudan's constitution-making and electoral processes.