Attachments
6,522 Total Arrivals
3,899 Refugee Arrivals
2,623 Returnee Arrivals
3 Transit/Reception Sites
402 Individuals currently hosted in Rotriak
2,641 Refugees relocated to refugee camps (cumulative)
Background
- Since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan in April 2023, South Sudan has received approximately 1.3 million new arrivals. While the majority have entered through the Renk/Joda border and the eastern corridor in Upper Nile State, movements through northern Unity State and Ruweng Administrative Area—particularly via Panakuach, have historically been the second highest.
- Refugees arriving in Ruweng and Unity are transported from the border to UNHCR-supported transit and reception facilities before relocation to Ajoung Thok and Pamir refugee camps.
Situation Overview
- Since 5 December, UNHCR has observed an increase in arrivals from Sudan’s Kordofan region, driven by intensified fighting and deteriorating security conditions. An estimated 6,522 individuals have crossed into South Sudan during this period.
- While the majority of arrivals originated from West Kordofan, recent weeks have seen a notable increase in arrivals from South Kordofan, particularly Kadugli and Tolodi. Most returnees are entering through Panakuach, while refugee arrivals are primarily crossing through the Jau and Liri entry points.
- The drivers of displacement remain unchanged and include ongoing insecurity and instability in Sudan, forced recruitment of youth, and severe shortages of food and basic services, including healthcare and education.
- New arrivals report facing significant insecurity and violence en route to the border, including widespread looting, armed robbery, and intimidation by armed groups. Many families were forced to divert from main routes to avoid hotspots, resulting in delays, heightened fear, and psychological distress. High transportation costs further compounded vulnerabilities: while some households were able to pay for transport from locations such as Kadugli to Jau, others were compelled to walk long distances due to lack of resources, leading to physical exhaustion and increased vulnerability upon arrival