The Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Albino Akol Atak, said South Sudan is committed to global solidarity for refugee solutions.

Speaking on Monday upon his arrival from Geneva after attending the global forum for refugees, Akol said the government has received close to 70,000 refugees from Sudan, with the vast majority of them arriving in the past two months alone. 

“Our humanitarian partners are doing everything they can to help, but the situation is dire; we are unable to provide basic services, treat simple illnesses, prevent hunger, and help people settle in safe locations,” Akol said.

According to him, this year’s forum underscored the importance of the world coming together to address various issues facing refugees around the world.

He added that the challenges include shelter, food, resettlement, protection, education, health, and others that are fundamental human rights.

“As we face this crisis with no end in sight, humanitarian funding is drastically reduced, and we expect more cuts in food rations for refugees next year, leaving less possibility for partners to provide decent shelters that would permit refugees to live in dignity. Worse, with the attention of the world elsewhere, we risk a crisis within a crisis,” Akol said. 

Meanwhile, the minister of interior, Angelina Teny, said the government issued six pledges aimed at enhancing service delivery to refugees, returnees, and host communities in the country.

She said the government is committed to providing services to the refugees, returnees, and host communities in the country.

“We have over 400,000 South Sudanese who have returned home from Sudan, and their status is akin to that of refugees. Our first pledge is to ensure that host communities have access to resources similar to those accessed by refugees and internally displaced persons. This commitment involves not only the South Sudanese government but also international communities and partners,” Angelina explained. 

She added, “Ensuring access to peacebuilding is a key focus of our pledges because we recognise that peace is fundamental to addressing the challenges of forced displacement, whether it’s internal displacement or refugees.

“We are committed to addressing a critical area that has significantly impacted our people, host communities, and those seeking refuge with us in the country.”

The Global Refugee Forum (GRF) 2023 started on December 13–15 in Geneva, Switzerland, to provide the opportunity for states and stakeholders to announce concrete pledges and contributions, highlight progress made since the Global Refugee Forum 2019, share good practices, and take stock of the challenges and opportunities ahead. By Jenifer James, City Review