Attachments
Situation Overview
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As of 19 May, 2023 close to 66,000 individuals have crossed into South Sudan fleeing the conflict in Sudan and been registered at border entry points. The true number of arrivals are expected to higher due to porous borders.
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Over 90% of arrivals are South Sudanese, of whom 54% are women and girls, and over 30,000 (46%) are children.
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The state authorities in Aweil, Northern Bahr El Ghazal transported over 2,000 refugees and returnees to Wedwil, a new Government allocated transit site and requested support for transportation for those remaining at ports of entry.
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The Relief and Rehabilitation Commission (RRC) announced that the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management will transport returnees by flight from Renk to various locations across the country.
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Close to 7,000 returnees were registered in Malakal, many have gone to families in town and the Protection of Civilians (PoC) site, whilst over 2,500 people are at Bulukat reception site awaiting transportation to other locations. At the site UNICEF immediately mobilized integrated emergency Health, WASH and nutrition and child protection response.
Situation of Children and Communities
Women and children arriving to South Sudan are experiencing harsh conditions, after often traumatic and dangerous journeys. At screening and transit points the cases of malnutrition identified in those under 5 years old have been increasing, whilst in several sites there are high numbers of diarrhea and upper respiratory tract infections. Meanwhile, without adequate shelter, and with often crowded and remote locations, women and children are more exposed to protection risks. Across the border areas the cost of basic commodities has skyrocketed. In Renk, between March and April 2023, the Survival Minimum Expenditure Basket (SMEB) increased by 141%, whilst in Abyei the price of bread increased by over 100%. Services in border towns and places of high return are becoming strained, and tensions have reportedly increased between communities. As onward transportation is increasing, there is need for close protection monitoring during movement and in places or high returns and new transit areas.