Response strategy:
The refugee response will focus on (i) access to territory and international protection; (ii) life-saving protection and humanitarian assistance; and (iii) resilience of refugees and asylum-seekers. The strategy balances emergency response and resilience activities, aimed at increasing the self-reliance of refugees. With 150,000 refugee arrivals projected in 2025, partners will prioritize Renk, Maban, Jamjang, Aweil and Abyei to deliver life-saving protection and assistance through cash, in-kind support and targeted services. Partners will maintain emergency response capacities along the key border entry points, keeping transit and reception centres operational. With the unpredictable situation in Sudan, emergency preparedness is a priority.
Existing refugee camps and settlements will be expanded to accommodate new arrivals while increasing essential services. In urban and out-of-camp locations, partners will focus on resilience-building initiatives, vocational training and education to improve the economic independence of refugees and promote peaceful community relations. These efforts will reduce refugees' long-term dependency on humanitarian aid and promote their meaningful inclusion into national services, in line with the Global Compact on Refugees (GCR) and the Government of South Sudan's renewed 2023 GCR pledges. The response will incorporate climate-resilient activities to reduce the environmental impact on camps and settlements.
Summary of needs:
As of October 2024, the number of refugees and asylum-seekers in South Sudan has reached 501,798 – nearly double since the start of the Sudan conflict. Of 189,963 new arrivals, 34 per cent settled in Maban, Jamjang and Wedweil refugee camps, with others staying in urban areas. Refugees, mostly women and children, face protection risks and critical needs upon arrival. In 2024, approximately 400 refugees arrived daily in need of life-saving assistance before onward travel. Recurring floods affect refugee-hosting areas, disrupting supply chains and increasing health risks from waterborne diseases.
Renk County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan.
A humanitarian worker recording details of South Sudanese returnees at Joda point of entry in Renk County in Upper Nile State.
OCHA/Iramaku Vundru WilfredCost of response:
About 40 per cent of the 2025 projected new arrivals are expected to go to refugee camps and settlements, where they will receive multisectoral assistance – raising the 2025 financial requirements. Cost-effectiveness measures will include cash-based interventions where feasible, targeted assistance to the most vulnerable people and localization. Close coordination with Government authorities and development agencies will leverage additional resources and optimize spending.
Response monitoring:
The Refugee Response Plan includes a robust monitoring framework with key objectives, indicators and data collection methods. Data from the indicators will promote accountability and transparency. Partner training will improve data collection and reporting. Feedback mechanisms ensure accountability and responsiveness to needs.
Coordination and partnerships:
Refugee response aligns with the Refugee Coordination Model framework led by the Ministry of the Interior’s Commission for Refugee Affairs and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. National-level refugee coordination meetings provide a platform for collaboration and information exchange. Sectoral coordination mechanisms and an area-based approach facilitate technical-level discussions to address the multifaceted needs of refugees, asylum-seekers, returnees and resident communities.