The United Nations has warned that more than 650,000 refugees in South Sudan could lose vital humanitarian assistance as funding shortages threaten food and nutrition programmes.
The warning was issued by the World Food Programme (WFP) and the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, in a joint statement highlighting the growing humanitarian needs across the country.
The agencies said refugees who fled neighbouring countries are increasingly at risk of reduced assistance, including food rations and nutritional support for vulnerable children and mothers.
“Without immediate funding, assistance for more than 650,000 refugees will be reduced, putting lives and futures at risk,” said Adham Effendi, WFP Deputy Country Director for South Sudan.
Effendi said the cuts could result in fewer food rations and reduced nutrition support for children and mothers, many of whom arrive at refugee centres already suffering from malnutrition.
The humanitarian situation has been further strained by the continued influx of people fleeing conflict in neighbouring Sudan. According to the WFP, as many as 3,000 refugees and returnees are arriving in South Sudan each week as fighting continues across the region.
“Needs are rising faster than resources,” Effendi said.
The WFP said it has already been forced to prioritise the most vulnerable people, with some beneficiaries currently receiving only half of their full food ration.
The agency said it urgently requires $37 million to address the immediate funding gap and another $258 million to maintain humanitarian assistance through the end of 2026.
The UN agencies warned that without additional funding, the situation could deteriorate further, leaving hundreds of thousands of refugees without adequate food and essential nutritional support.
