South Sudanese refugees in Sudan reach over 62,000

April 10, 2014 (KHARTOUM) – The number of South Sudanese refugees who arrived to the neighbouring Sudan has reached over 62,000 people, said the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

“According to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), as of 2 April an estimated 62,000 to 64,000 people have arrived in Sudan since 15 December 2013. The Government of Sudan registers people arriving from South Sudan at the border crossing points of White Nile state,” OCHA reported in its weekly bulletin.

The agency further estimates that some 150 refugees arrive on daily basis to White Nile state from South Sudan’s neighbouring Upper Nile state, adding that they also continue to enter into Sudan through the South Kordofan state without details.

Last week, Jabel Awliya town, located south to the capital Khartoum, announced the relocation of different refugees camps to Alamal town in western Khartoum state. The Sudanese authorities vowed to provide the necessary service to the residents of new camps, saying over 150 refugees per day arrive to the capital.

UNHCR needs US$40 million to face the needs of the new arrivals. However, only 0.5 per cent of that amount is covered. Also, the agency demanded an emergency fund for $6.5 million to respond to the needs in South Kordofan and White Nile states.

UN agencies in Sudan demanded the government to declare the South Sudanese entering the country as refugees and to make a joint call with the UN for donors, but Khartoum refuses saying they can enter and reside where they want and work.

(ST)