UNHCR and partners support the safe and sustainable integration of returnees in South Sudan

As conflict continues to rage in Sudan, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency in partnership with the Government of South Sudan and humanitarian partners, is supporting South Sudanese returnees to find safety and stability. Many of those returning are being hosted in Renk County, Upper Nile State, where UNHCR and partners support their safe, voluntary, and dignified integration.

Since the onset of the Sudan crisis, over 1.2 million people have arrived in South Sudan seeking safety. Of these, 800,000 (68%) are South Sudanese nationals returning home, whilst the rest include around 400,000 Sudanese refugees, as well as smaller numbers of other foreign nationals. Many South Sudanese returnees, forced to flee the war in Sudan, choose to remain in South Sudan.

Last week, UNHCR and partners started the relocation of 1,074 South Sudanese returnees (205 households)from the Renk Transit Center to Abukadra integration site, a land generously allocated by the Government. This relocation will be done gradually, pending availability of resources. This initiative, coordinated across multiple sectors and partners, ensures essential services and assistance are available for the newly arrived families.

These actions are part of a broader strategy to support the sustainable and durable integration of returnees in Renk, improve their living conditions, and gradually reduce dependence on humanitarian assistance by promoting self-reliance and sustainable inclusion.

Vital assistance, including access to shelter, clean water, healthcare, and education, are made available to integrating returnees and other members of the community through the collaboration of UNHCR, local authorities, and other humanitarian partners.

“Returnees face enormous challenges as they start a new life, many return to areas with damaged infrastructure and limited services,” said Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan. “UNHCR is committed to working alongside communities and local authorities to promote social cohesion, address protection concerns, and invest in sustainable solutions.”

As returns continue, UNHCR urges continued support from donors and partners to sustain and expand assistance helping returnees rebuild their lives and contribute to the future of South Sudan.

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For more information, please contact:

(In South Sudan) Carla Calvo, +211 927 141 812, [email protected]

(In Nairobi) Dana Hughes, +254 717 540 160, [email protected]