By Philip Buda Ladu
European Union (EU) has committed a substantial €11 million to UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Unveiled on Friday, the funding aims to foster long-term recovery and stability of communities in South Sudan that are impacted by ongoing conflict in neighboring Sudan, resulting to displacement.
Since fighting erupted in Sudan in April 2023, over 1.1 million people have sought refuge in South Sudan, placing immense pressure on the nation’s already limited infrastructure and essential services.
The new initiative, aptly titled “Strengthening Community Adaptability and Resilience for Displaced and Host Populations in South Sudan,” is set to provide sustained support to approximately 40,000 individuals. This includes Sudanese refugees, South Sudanese returnees, internally displaced persons, and their host communities.
UNHCR in a press statement said the program will primarily focus its efforts on Upper Nile State and the capital, Juba, identified as the regions most affected by the recent influx.
This donation marks a crucial shift from immediate emergency aid towards investing in solutions that promote recovery and long-term resilience.
While addressing urgent needs, the program will concentrate on three key priority areas including: Expanding economic opportunities, improving access to healthcare and education and fostering social cohesion
Special attention will be given to empowering youth and women through initiatives focused on job creation, skills development, and community-led peace building efforts.
Lothar Jaschke, Acting Head of the EU Delegation, expressed his pride in launching this collaborative effort on Friday 20, June 2025.
“The Sudan crisis has worsened displacement in cities like Juba and Malakal, which are hosting large numbers of displaced people despite limited resources,” Jaschke stated. “Supporting both displaced and resident communities without distinction is essential to strengthen social cohesion.”
Meanwhile, Marie-Helene Verney, UNHCR Representative in South Sudan, highlighted the critical timing of the support.
“South Sudan is at a crossroads, facing growing pressure from continued arrivals while grappling with its own deepening humanitarian crisis,” Verney said. “This support from the European Union is essential to promote inclusion and resilience, offering a path toward greater stability for both displaced and host communities.”
She added that the project, with the participation of the Government of South Sudan and local partners, “exemplifies how development partnerships can anchor hope and recovery in some of the most challenging contexts.”
Echoing this sentiment, Vijaya Souri, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission, affirmed IOM’s commitment to sustainable solutions.
“This programme reflects IOM’s continued commitment to moving beyond crisis response by investing in long-term recovery and working in partnership with the Government and people of South Sudan,” Souri remarked. “By aligning efforts with national priorities and building on existing foundations, we aim to maximize impact and ensure sustainable, community-driven solutions for those affected by displacement.”
Building upon previous EU-backed efforts from 2023, the program signifies a continued shift from emergency aid to sustainable development.
It aligns with the Inter-Agency Standing Committee’s Framework on Durable Solutions and the UN Secretary-General’s 2022 Action Agenda on Internal Displacement.
This joint action underscores a shared commitment between the EU, UNHCR, and IOM to deliver meaningful and lasting support to those impacted by the Sudan conflict.
The program is set to run through 2026, with both UN agencies working in close collaboration with national and local partners to ensure effective coordination and long-term sustainability.