South Sudan emergency
Since 2013, brutal conflict in South Sudan has claimed thousands of lives and driven millions of people from their homes.
While many remain displaced inside the country, more than two million have fled to neighbouring countries in a desperate bid to reach safety.
Over 2.2 million
refugees and asylum seekers from South Sudan in the region
Last updated November 2022 - Visit the Data Portal for more statistics
The situation in South Sudan and neighbouring countries has escalated into a full-blown humanitarian emergency. After nearly a decade of conflict and despite efforts toward implementing the peace agreement, South Sudan continues to grapple with sporadic violence, chronic food insecurity and the devastating impact of major flooding. Although we are doing all we can to provide relief and life-saving shelter with limited resources, displacement in the region is expected to continue until a political solution is found.
If you are a refugee and need help, click here for more information.
“The journey was so hard. The sun was very hot and we had trouble finding food and water. Our uncle decided to turn back but we continued on because we wanted to go to school.”
Kenyi, 17, is among more than 5,000 unaccompanied South Sudanese refugee children who have arrived in Uganda
Most refugees are women and children, many of whom flee across the border alone. Often, they arrive weak and malnourished. When the rainy season comes, their needs are compounded by flooding, food shortages and disease.
Inside South Sudan, around two million people are displaced while outside the country there are now over two million South Sudanese refugees – making it the largest refugee population in the region - mainly hosted in Ethiopia, Sudan, and Uganda. Many live in precarious conditions, exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic and the looming drought and food insecurity.
To find the latest figures, please visit our Data Portal. You can also read the latest external updates on our Global Focus page.