Over $1B sought to aid South Sudan refugees

South Sudanese refugees queue for food at the Imvepi Reception Centre, Arua District, Northern Region, Uganda (© HCR/David Azi)

JUBA, South Sudan: The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and development partners on Friday (Saturday in Manila) are seeking $1.2 billion to address the refugee crisis in eastern Africa.

According to the UN agency, the amount would be used to extend humanitarian assistance and protection to 2.3 million South Sudanese refugees and local communities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda.

"Funding is urgently needed to help these host countries to provide food, shelter and access to essential services, such as education and health care," the UNHCR said in a statement.

It also said South Sudan continued to grapple with sporadic violence, chronic food insecurity and the devastating impact of major flooding after nearly a decade of conflict and despite efforts toward implementing a peace agreement.

The coronavirus pandemic has also strained people's resources, significantly reducing their ability to sustainably meet their needs.

The five countries that granted asylum are also facing similar challenges, from the climate crisis and the pandemic, but have kept their doors open to refugees.

The UNHCR said the governments in these countries would be supported in their efforts to integrate the refugees into their systems for the delivery of social services.

"Refugees and local communities will receive help to boost their resilience by identifying and diversifying opportunities to earn a living," it said. "This is vital against a backdrop of chronic underfunding for food provision, which continues to result in regular ration cuts."

It is also increasing the use of clean energy and making other green investments to better protect the environment and to minimize the impacts of the climate crisis.

The South Sudan refugee crisis, which remains the largest on the African continent, was also one of the least funded in 2021, at 21 percent.

Global solidarity and support for refugees must be extended to the countries that have welcomed the refugees.