650,000 refugees in South Sudan could lose food aid within weeks, says UN

The United Nations warns that more than 650,000 refugees and asylum seekers in South Sudan could lose access to food aid within weeks due to a severe funding shortfall. South Sudan is currently grappling with one of the world's worst hunger crises, with over half of its population experiencing acute food insecurity and 2.2 million children being acutely malnourished.

The World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN refugee agency reported that approximately 3,000 refugees and returnees arrive from neighboring Sudan every week, where a conflict that began in 2023 has resulted in a massive displacement crisis characterized by mass killings, rape, and deliberate starvation.

The last food distributions for the most vulnerable 240,000 refugees in South Sudan, out of the 650,000 previously receiving food support, would be provided in September if new funding is secured urgently. These refugees are already receiving half-rations due to a lack of funding for food assistance. Adham Effendi, WFP's deputy country director in South Sudan, stated that this situation is currently a reality, not a future scenario.

Mesfin Degefu, UNHCR's deputy representative, emphasized that without sufficient funding, no refugees in South Sudan will receive food assistance starting in October. Families are already resorting to reducing meals, selling possessions, withdrawing children from school, and taking on debt to survive, while women and children face heightened risks of exploitation and abuse.

UNHCR is falling short of its US$286 million requirement for refugee operations between October and December, having received only 28% of the funds needed. The funding gap of US$37 million could lead to further cuts in food assistance for about 180,000 internally displaced people by October and potentially affect 600,000 people living in famine-risk areas by November, as stated by Effendi.

UNHCR's efforts to help refugees achieve self-reliance through farming, vocational training, and other livelihood programs are also threatened by the funding crisis.