The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) on Thursday made a funding appeal of $3.2Billion to support refugees fleeing the South Sudan crisis.
At least 2.5 million South Sudanese have fled their homes to neighbouring countries, while another two million are displaced within the country.
The conflict in South Sudan is now in its 5th year. The country faces the double catastrophe of insecurity and hunger. At least 2.5 million 2.5 million people have sought refuge across the borders while, inside the country, seven million people are in need of humanitarian assistance.
“We are seeking 3.2 billion dollars from the international community this year including $1.7 for humanitarian resource plan,” says Emergency Relief Co-ordinator Mark Lowock.
UNHCR High Commissioner Filipo Grandi says, “The burden is huge in terms of resources, in terms of cost and environment and that is why we need to help.”
There are fears that the number of refugees will hit the 3 million mark by the end of this year. Previous peace agreements have been violated within hours of signing. The people of South Sudan are more hopeless.
“There is a great fatigue for this war in the region and a great desire to come to a solution,” says Grandi.
The hope is this time, the leaders will commit to saving the world’s youngest nation from the brink of total collapse.
