Critical funding shortfalls are putting the lives of over 1.9 million displaced people in South Sudan at risk, as humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported. South Sudan remains one of the world’s most displacement-affected countries, with nearly 10 million people requiring humanitarian assistance. Under the 2026 Response Plan, IOM faces a funding gap of USD 29 million for its humanitarian operations, even as it supports government-led solutions under the UN Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement.
IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, Ugochi Daniels, emphasized that funding shortfalls threaten progress toward durable solutions for millions of displaced families and host communities. While these communities are working to rebuild their lives, ongoing instability, conflict, and limited resources heighten the risk of renewed displacement.
The country continues to receive new arrivals fleeing conflict in Sudan, with millions still displaced within South Sudan or across borders due to years of conflict, flooding, and instability. Since April 2023, over 1.3 million people have crossed into South Sudan, including 67 percent South Sudanese returnees from Sudan, placing immense pressure on border communities, public services, and fragile infrastructure as the crisis enters its third year.
In key entry points like Renk, humanitarian needs remain acute, with large numbers of arrivals requiring emergency assistance, health screening, protection support, and onward transportation. Host communities, already operating with limited resources, face significant strain in accommodating new arrivals.
In areas like Bentiu, displaced families are gradually moving out of camps, building homes, and restoring livelihoods. While these recovery efforts show progress, sustaining them requires consistent support for services, infrastructure, and government backing to prevent further displacement.
The situation underscores the need for strong coordination and leadership, close partnership with government and local authorities, and reliable humanitarian access to affected populations. Ensuring the security of humanitarian staff and assets is also essential.
As co-lead of the Global Shelter, Land, and Site Coordination Cluster, IOM works with partners to provide displaced people with safe shelter, organized sites, and essential services. By linking emergency support with long-term planning, the cluster helps communities stabilize, rebuild, and recover with safety and dignity.
