South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan 2023 In Review

SOUTH SUDAN 2023 HRP REVIEW

The 2023 South Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan (HRP) projected 9.4 million people to need humanitarian assistance, out of which 6.8 million were targeted with a funding requirement of US$1.7 billion. The plan was revised later in the year following the significant impact of the Sudan crisis which broke out in April 2023 with new estimates of 7.4 million people targeted out of an increased 10 million people in need. The funding requirement was also revised to $2.06 billion.

On 5 April 2024, partners convened to evaluate the humanitarian response in 2023, assess effectiveness and efficiency beyond figures, and provide recommendations for improvement. The purpose of the workshop was to complement the South Sudan 2023 Humanitarian Response in Review Report which documents the quantitative achievements of the response. Discussions were structured around three main themes: response effectiveness, response readiness, and response approaches and coordination.

Under response effectiveness, participants acknowledged progress in saving lives and critical service provision, highlighting improvements in coordination and localization efforts. However, concerns were raised about the heavy focus on the Sudan crisis, which broke out in April 2023, potentially overshadowing other humanitarian needs. Recommendations included enhancing shock response funding, promoting shared responsibility, and fostering better communication among stakeholders.

In terms of response readiness, participants stressed the need for a comprehensive inter-sector analysis to better understand root causes of crises and leverage existing data. They called for transcending siloed planning and implementing more inclusive preparedness approaches. Despite ongoing challenges such as fragmented coordination and limited resources, participants advocated for collective responses and shared responsibility ingrained within organizational culture.

Regarding cross-cutting issues, participants emphasized addressing the needs of marginalized groups and implementing gender-specific strategies. Limited funding for national organizations posed a barrier to inclusivity, requiring improved access to financial support for local actors. Recommendations included revising strategies to suit different contexts, implementing satisfaction surveys, and progressively implementing policies related to sexual and gender-based violence.

In response modalities, Cash and Voucher Assistance (CVA) saw notable progress, supported by tools such as the Minimum Expenditure Basket (MEB) guidelines. Challenges remained in local market sustainability and weak planning among sectors. Recommendations included enhancing collaboration, strengthening local markets, and linking humanitarian cash assistance with social protection.

In review of coordination, participants recognized the effectiveness of existing structures but highlighted gaps in leadership and coordination, especially at the field level. Recommendations included promoting government participation in coordination mechanisms and strengthening linkages between sub-national and national clusters. A notable success story showcased the effectiveness of local coordination in addressing localization efforts.