Refugees – 2018
2018
Under R-ARCSS, the parties agreed to facilitate the resettlement of refugees and provide humanitarian assistance.
The United Nations estimated that there were 2.47 million South Sudanese refugees in neighboring countries when R-ARCSS was signed.[1] The United Nations reported 65 “access incidents” in September, referring to incidents where aid workers were blocked from providing assistance to civilians, either by force or through “bureaucratic and administrative impediments,’’ including to refugees.[2] The UN estimated 700 refugees returned in September.[3]
In October, the UN noted that “refugees… are beginning to return home” following the signing of R-ARCSS.[4] The UN also reported 58 new access incidents, some of which involved refugees.[5] The UN estimated 5,500 refugees returned in October, 2,000 returned in November, and 7,800 returned in December. [6] [7] [8] However, the UN stated that “the current conditions [are] not yet conducive for durable, safe and dignified returns.”[9]
[1] “Humanitarian bulletin South Sudan” United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), September 30, 2018.
[2] “Report of the Secretary-General on South Sudan (covering the period from 2 September to 30 November 2018),” United Nations Resolution S/2018/1103, December 10, 2018.
[3] “Overview of spontaneous refugee returns to South Sudan,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, February 28, 2019.
[4] “Humanitarian bulletin South Sudan” United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), October 30, 2018.
[5] “Report of the Secretary-General on South Sudan (covering the period from 2 September to 30 November 2018),” United Nations Resolution S/2018/1103, December 10, 2018.
[6] “Overview of spontaneous refugee returns to South Sudan,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, February 28, 2019.
[7] “Overview of spontaneous refugee returns to South Sudan,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, February 28, 2019.
[8] “Overview of spontaneous refugee returns to South Sudan,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, February 28, 2019.
[9] “Overview of spontaneous refugee returns to South Sudan,” United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, February 28, 2019.