Attachments
HIGHLIGHTS
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As of August 2023, the Humanitarian Action for Children for South Sudan had a 55 per cent funding gap (US$ 123.3).
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The price of basic commodities continues to increase such as the cost of beans increasing by 122 per cent since 2022. This continued increase in food prices will drive up food insecurity. Malnutrition rates are 25 per cent higher compared to August 2022.
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Since 1 August 2023, 22,354 South Sudanese refugees (45.6 per cent children) have returned to South Sudan from refugee camps in Ethiopia due to reductions in humanitarian assistance and a deteriorating security situation.
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48,547 people crossed into South Sudan fleeing conflict in Sudan, including 12,462 girls and 12,870 boys in urgent need of assistance. This marks an 18 per cent decrease (compared to July) in the number of returnees crossing the border. This decrease is likely due to insecurity and diminishing financial resources of those fleeing Sudan.
FUNDING OVERVIEW AND PARTNERSHIPS
In 2023 UNICEF requires $217.2 million to meet the critical needs of 5.3 million people, including 3.5 million children, affected by multiple shocks in South Sudan. As of 31 August, despite the increased needs brought on my the crisis in Sudan, the UNICEF Humanitarian Action for Children (HAC) appeal 2023 remains severely underfunded with only 44 per cent of requirements met.
UNICEF is grateful for the support of US$ 1.9 million received from the United Nations Multi-Partner Trust Fund to cover Nutrition, WASH and cross-sectoral interventions during this reporting period. Furthermore, UNICEF would like to sincerely thank the donors who have supported its humanitarian response, in 2023, through the European Union Humanitarian Aid (ECHO), the governments of the United States of America, Germany, Canada, the United Kingdom, Norway, Japan, France, Sweden, as well as Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF), South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF) and UNICEF National Committees.
However, with only four months remaining in 2023, UNICEF will not reach its targets without additional financial support from donors and partners. UNICEF urgently requires further support against the HAC to sustain and scale up critical life-saving health, nutrition, water, sanitation, learning and protection assistance the most vulnerable children caught in this crisis. With adequate funds, together with the government and other partners, UNICEF will be able to deliver integrated services to safeguard children's rights and fulfill the Core Commitments to Children in Humanitarian Action.
SITUATION OVERVIEW AND HUMANITARIAN NEEDS
Since 1 August 2023, an influx of South Sudanese refugees from Ethiopia have returned to South Sudan due to the cessation of food aid in refugee camps in Ethiopia and the deteriorating security situation in Gambella. From 1 – 31 August, 22,354 people, including 5,778 girls, 4,424 boys, 5,977 women and 6,175 men have entered South Sudan. The majority of the refugees are entering via seven border crossing points, with the majority entering through Burebiey (13,019), Pagak (3,796), Akobo (3,129) and Pochalla (1,364).
In August 2023, the steady influx of returnees and refugees from Sudan continued due to individuals searching for safety and assistance. From 1-31 August, 48,547 people have entered South Sudan from Sudan, including 12,462 girls, 12,870 boys, 11,150 women and 12,065 men. As compared to July 2023, there was an 18.37 per cent decrease in number of individuals crossing into South Sudan. 91.71 per cent of the new arrivals are South Sudanese, 7.91 per cent are Sudanese and 0.38 per cent are third country nationals.
With the influx of people living in close proximity to one another, the risk of disease outbreaks at the entry and reception centers is very high, further complicating the humanitarian situation and overstretching UNICEF’s already limited capacity to respond. The number of malaria, malnutrition, and acute watery diarrhea cases increase as more people enter South Sudan, making it increasingly challenging to offer the essential services to all populations that urgently require them.
According to the April - July 2023 South Sudan Acute Food Insecurity Classification (IPC) projections, 7.76 million people (62.7 per cent of the population) are facing severe acute food insecurity in South Sudan. The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) predicts that El Niño will cause above average levels of rainfall, resulting in flooding and flash flooding. Displacement is expected (especially for those living in flood-prone areas) as well as crop and livestock destruction and damage to infrastructure, increasing the health, nutrition and mental health needs of individuals affected by the events. 450,000 people are at risk of being exposed to floods, especially in Rubkona and Mayom and Old Fangak.
Across the country, the price of food commodities has increased drastically. The price of salt for example, increased 22 per cent from July to August, and increased 49 per cent as compared to the same time period in 2022. The price of beans, increased 122 per cent as compared to August 2022, and 11 per cent in the last month. With this increase in pricing, we expect an increase in malnutrition rates given the unaffordability of food products for individuals. A 25 per cent increase in admissions for severe acute malnutrition (SAM) treatment as compared to August 2022 indicates a decline in South Sudan's nutritional status.
During the reporting period, several security threats impacted humanitarian delivery. The insecurity during August in different locations (including the United Nations Security Management System’s (UNSMS) warehouse in Bor and humanitarian warehouses in Likuangole and Gumuruk, Greater Pibor Administrative Area (GPAA) affected humanitarian delivery through theft of humanitarian assets and temporary relocation, exposing the compounds to illegal intrusions and thefts and delays in assisting targeted beneficiaries. There were reported roadblocks in Eastern Equatoria, Jonglei, Warrap, Lakes and Central Equatoria States along some major service routes (such as the Juba-Torit Road) and some of the roads connecting villages and Bomas - where community members have been targeted. This disruption in road traffic has reduced the number of humanitarian movements, therefore reducing the number of services provided to those in need. Additionally, reported road ambushes have slowed down humanitarian interventions and complicated access to targeted areas. Residential assaults have been reported in both Western and Central Equatoria. Due to the economic decline, most of the residential attacks have targeted aid workers.