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Decades of civil war and violence to make South Sudan an independent nation has created a host of new economic, social and demographic problems for the world’s youngest nation. Due to the deteriorating conditions, the South Sudan refugee crisis has become the 3rd largest refugee crisis in the world and the largest in Africa. South Sudan is facing problems of violence and famine forcing citizens to leave their home in hopes of finding safe shelter and peace. Many of these refugees live in crowded UN camps within the country but the search for sustainable healthcare, education and shelter has led to many leaving the country as refugees. The majority of refugees leaving Sudan are survivors of violent and sexual attacks and many of whom are children that are travelling alone. In most cases these survivors are weak and malnourished due to the current conditions of their home land. These refugees show great courage and resilience whilst losing their homes, families and resources.
The neighbouring countries of South Sudan: Uganda, Democratic Republic of Congo, Sudan, Central Africa, Kenya and Ethiopia have opened their borders to accept many refugees even with their very limited resources. Uganda has accepted the most refugees by admitting over 1,000,000 South Sudanese refugees to the country. 82% of these refugees are women and children. Furthermore, many of these countries have been making efforts to include the refugees in the countries educational and health care system. However, even with their noble intensions, these countries are not the wealthiest and are having a lot of trouble distributing their scarce resources to the growing population.
The current potential solutions to the refugee crisis involve donating to organizations like the UN Refugee Agency and World Vison as well as efforts to solve the political problems which has lead to the excess use of armed forces against the rebels. The latest peach agreement negotiated by president Salva Kiir and rebel leader Dr. Riek Machar will hopefully end the violence between the government and the rebels. However, even if this is successful, South Sudan will remain one of the poorest countries in the world with desperate need of financial assistance. It is critical that we raise awareness towards the current issues in South Sudan and provide a platform for providing support to developing country and their refugees.
Citations
1. UNHCR. “South Sudan Refugee Crisis.” Definition and Meaning | USA for UNHCR, UNHCR, www.unrefugees.org/emergencies/south-sudan/.
2. Beda, Angelo. “Congratulations to H.E. the President and the People of South Sudan.” National Dialogue South Sudan, SOUTH SUDAN NATIONAL DIALOGUE, 29 Oct. 2019, www.ssnationaldialogue.org/news-item/congratulations-h-e-president-people-south-sudan/.
3. “South Sudan Conflict, Hunger: Facts, FAQs, and How to Help.” World Vision, World Vision, 21 Nov. 2018, www.worldvision.org/refugees-news-stories/south-sudan-refugee-crisis-facts.