Critical funding shortfalls are putting the lives of over 1.9 million displaced people in South Sudan at risk, as humanitarian needs continue to outpace available resources, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) warned today.
South Sudan remains one of the world's most displacement-affected countries, with nearly 10 million people in need of humanitarian assistance. Under the 2026 Response Plan, IOM faces a funding gap of USD 29 million for its humanitarian response in South Sudan. With IOM's support, alongside UN, development and peace partners, the country is piloting government-led solutions under the UN Secretary-General's Action Agenda on Internal Displacement.
"South Sudan is carrying an extraordinary burden, and funding shortfalls risk undermining progress toward durable solutions for millions," said IOM Deputy Director General for Operations, Ugochi Daniels, during her visit. "Across the country, displaced families and host communities are trying to rebuild their lives, but the strain is real. Without sustained support and progress toward peace, these communities could face renewed instability and displacement."
South Sudan continues to grapple with new arrivals fleeing the conflict in Sudan, while millions remain displaced within the country and across borders due to years of conflict, flooding and instability. At the same time, funding shortfalls are constraining the delivery of life-saving assistance and slowing progress toward longer-term recovery.
Since April 2023, more than 1.3 million people have crossed into South Sudan, 67 per cent of them being South Sudanese returnees from Sudan, placing immense pressure on border communities, overstretched services, and fragile infrastructure as the crisis approaches its third year.
In Renk, one of the main entry points for people fleeing Sudan, humanitarian needs remain acute as arrivals continue at scale. Emergency assistance, health screening, protection support, and onward transportation remain critical to stabilizing new arrivals and easing the burden on host communities already facing limited resources.
In Bentiu, families are moving out of camps, building homes, and restoring their livelihoods. While progress is clear, without sustained support for services and infrastructure, these gains could be lost. Lasting recovery needs consistent government backing to prevent new displacement.
These challenges highlight the need for strong coordination and leadership, grounded in close partnership with Government and local authorities. Reliable humanitarian access to people in need, and security for humanitarian staff and assets, must be ensured.
As co-lead of the Global Shelter, Land, and Site Coordination Cluster, IOM works with partners to provide displaced people with safe shelter, organized sites, and essential services. By linking emergency support with long-term planning, the cluster helps communities stabilize and rebuild with safety and dignity.
