$7 million for UNHCR to help South Sudanese refugees

The United Nations Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) has allocated $7 million to the office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) to support South Sudanese refugees in Sudan and address their most pressing needs.

Approximately 198,600 South Sudanese have fled to Sudan when the conflict erupted in South Sudan in December 2013, between forces loyal to President Salva Kiir and supporters of the former Vice-President Riek Machar. Most refugees now reside in White Nile and Khartoum. 

In a press statement on Wednesday, UNHCR representative Mohamed Adar said that the timing of the CERF funds is critical. He described it as the first significant contribution received this year. “It will help address the increasing humanitarian needs of South Sudanese refugees fleeing conflict and violence at home, and finding safety in Sudan.

“The funds will be used to ease overcrowding in existing refugee sites and support protection, health, nutrition, water and sanitation, as well as emergency education.”

He said that the overcrowding has been a challenge in the seven sites where refugees have been living in White Nile State. This has increased health risks and affected their well-being. The representative explained that the funds will support the opening of two additional sites and help address overcrowding.

“The CERF funding being made available will support programmes that are implemented in White Nile State by UNHCR and other UN agencies, including the United Nations Children’s Fund, the United Nations World Food Programme, the United Nations Population Fund and the World Health Organization.”