The World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) have issued a joint warning that food and nutrition assistance for 240,000 vulnerable refugees in South Sudan is at risk of ending by September due to funding shortages.
These refugees represent the last group of over 650,000 who have been receiving food support across the country. The agencies emphasized that without immediate financial aid, many families already facing extreme hardship could be pushed into crisis.
Impact of Funding Shortages
- Families may reduce food intake, borrow money, or sell possessions to survive.
- Women and children face increased risks of exploitation and abuse.
- Some refugees might be forced to leave South Sudan in search of food and assistance.
Adham Effendi, WFP Deputy Country Director in South Sudan, highlighted the critical nature of food aid, stating it often means the difference between coping and crisis for refugees and host communities.
Rising Pressure Amid Regional Conflict
The humanitarian situation is further strained as approximately 3,000 refugees and returnees arrive weekly from neighbouring Sudan, where conflict erupted in 2023. More than 1.4 million have crossed into South Sudan since then, compounding the challenges faced by aid organizations.
Mesfin Degefu, UNHCR Deputy Representative in South Sudan, warned that cutting assistance now could reverse progress in education, livelihoods, and resilience, forcing refugees to take dangerous measures for survival.
Call for Immediate Support
Both UN agencies are urgently appealing for funding to maintain food and nutrition programs. They stress that the convergence of ongoing conflicts and resource shortages is intensifying the humanitarian crisis.
Without swift intervention, the fragile situation for refugees and host communities in South Sudan risks further deterioration.
