Thousands of South Sudanese Refugees Return Home Amid Escalating Conflict
Since the escalation of the conflict in Sudan, thousands of South Sudanese refugees have been forced to leave everything behind a second time. Many of them have fled back to their country of origin. Cordaid, a humanitarian organization, has been providing support to this severely impacted group.
According to Bashir James, the humanitarian programme manager for Cordaid in South Sudan, the situation is dire. In May, hundreds of South Sudanese were arriving at the border every day, desperately searching for safety and support. The main focus of the humanitarian workers in the region has been to provide the refugees with urgent necessities and transport them to their villages.
Cordaid has been actively raising funds among its private donors to increase their support activities. This has allowed them to assist a total of 12,000 people. They have set up a mobile clinic where children are fed and vaccinated, arranged temporary shelter, constructed a sustainable water system, and distributed blankets and mosquito nets.
While Bashir is proud of these achievements, he highlights the urgent need for more support for those fleeing violence in various parts of the volatile region. The situation in Sudan may have gone unnoticed in the media, but it is far from improving. Since the end of August, almost 250,000 people have crossed the border from Sudan back into South Sudan. The longer these people stay at the transit locations, the worse the situation becomes.
In addition to the South Sudanese refugees returning from Sudan, there is also an increasing number of refugees returning from Uganda. Due to the stricter LGBTQ laws in Uganda, international donors have been reducing their funds, resulting in less support for the refugees residing there. This has led to another crisis in the region.
The plight of these refugees requires urgent attention and support from the international community. They have already endured immense hardship and are now faced with the challenge of rebuilding their lives once again. It is essential for organizations like Cordaid to continue their efforts and seek more assistance to alleviate the suffering of these vulnerable populations.
As the conflict escalates and more people are displaced, it is crucial for the global community to step up and provide the necessary resources and aid to ensure the safety and well-being of those affected. The situation in South Sudan and the surrounding region demands immediate action and solidarity to prevent further tragedy and promote stability and peace.
