Regional Overview
Executive Summary
The South Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) is an annual comprehensive multi-agency response that outlines the strategies and actions needed to respond to the ongoing South Sudan refugee crisis in the five main countries of asylum: the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda. In 2023, it includes the financial requirements of 108 partners, involving a range of UN and NGO/ civil society humanitarian and development actors, to meet the critical needs of over 2.2 million refugees and asylum-seekers and 1.89 million members of their hosting communities. The interagency response plan is developed according to the Refugee Coordination Model (RCM) and draws from the response plans developed in each country.
It reflects the regional protection needs, vulnerabilities and risks of the population with over 50 per cent being children (0-17 years) and 33 per cent of the population being youth (between 15-24 years2). Some of the vulnerabilities and risk stem from exposure to endemic violence and the impact of climate shocks in the country of origin and others are magnified by prolonged displacement in situations where the needs outstrip the available resources for assistance. The risks and vulnerabilities are relatively common across the five countries, with a few contextual differences such as armed groups impacting the security situation in asylum countries. Other risks include abuse, discrimination, exploitation, lack of documentation and income opportunities.
The RRP strategy builds on key national and regional policies and commitments that impact the refugee in the five asylum countries. The main objectives are to: maintain asylum space in which quality, efficient and timely protection and life-saving multisectoral assistance can be provided for South Sudanese refugees and their host communities; enhance inclusion into national systems; and pursue durable solutions; All RRP partners will aim to enhance accountability and to protect refugees from sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA) and risks.
The Regional RRP covers nine sectors: protection (which include the sub-sectors of gender-based violence (GBV) and Child Protection), education, food, health and nutrition, livelihoods, resilience, economic and social inclusion, WASH, shelter and NFI, energy and environment and logistics and operational support. The regional chapter outlines the summary of sector response interventions which may vary according to the context in each country as well as provides a regional overview of the partnerships and coordination efforts as well as financial requirements. Each country-specific response is outlined in more detail under dedicated country chapters.