More than 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are expected to benefit from efforts to help them return voluntarily to their places of origin or...
More than 60,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) are expected to benefit from efforts to help them return voluntarily to their places of origin or establish sustainable living arrangements as the government and humanitarian agencies intensify efforts to address prolonged displacement in South Sudan.The initiative is part of broader efforts to find durable solutions for displaced families by supporting voluntary return, local integration or resettlement, alongside access to basic services, livelihood opportunities and protection.According to the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, at least 30,000 internally displaced people have already returned to their areas of origin. However, further details about the locations of the returns and the timeline for the planned resettlement of the remaining displaced people were not immediately available.Speaking during a durable solutions conference in Bentiu, Ramanathan Balakrishnan, Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General, Resident Coordinator and Humanitarian Coordinator, called on the government to develop a clear strategy to support displaced people returning to their home communities.He stressed the importance of coordinated planning to ensure that returnees receive the necessary support to rebuild their lives and reintegrate into their communities.Meanwhile, Benjamin Ayali, Undersecretary at the Ministry of Finance and Planning, said the large number of displaced people required greater attention from both the government and humanitarian agencies.Ayali called for increased support to address the needs of displaced families and ensure that efforts to find lasting solutions are adequately supported.Makuch Makuch Ngong, Deputy Chairperson of the Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, reaffirmed the government's commitment, alongside humanitarian partners, to finding durable solutions for internally displaced people and supporting their resettlement.Durable solutions for displacement generally involve helping displaced people return voluntarily to their places of origin, integrate into their current communities or settle elsewhere in conditions of safety and dignity.South Sudan continues to face humanitarian challenges that have forced many people from their homes, including conflict, insecurity, flooding and economic hardship. Addressing prolonged displacement requires sustained coordination between government institutions, humanitarian organisations and affected communities.The success of the initiative will depend on adequate resources, security, access to essential services and livelihood opportunities to help returning families rebuild their lives and avoid being displaced again.
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