Two United Nations agencies warned on Friday that hundreds of thousands of refugees in South Sudan are at risk of losing much needed humanitarian assistance due to a lack of funding.
WFP (World Food Programme) and the UNHCR, the UN refugee agency, said in a joint statement that more than 650,000 refugees who fled from neighboring countries are likely to be cut out from aid.
“Without immediate funding, assistance for more than 650,000 refugees will be reduced, putting lives and futures at risk. This could mean fewer food rations, reduced nutrition support for children and mothers,” said Adham Effendi, WFP Deputy Country Director for South Sudan.
The World Food Programme emphasizes that food aid is crucial for many children who arrive at refugee centers already suffering from undernourishment.
Estimates from the WFP indicate that up to 3,000 refugees and returnees continue arriving in South Sudan from neighboring Sudan every week, driven away by ongoing regional conflict.
“Needs are rising faster than resources,” said Effendi.
The agency noted it has already been forced to prioritize only the most vulnerable populations, who are currently receiving just half of a full food ration.
To bridge this critical gap, the WFP states it urgently requires $37 million immediately, alongside $258 million to ensure continued assistance through the remainder of 2026.
