By Kidega Livingstone
Save the Children South Sudan is warning of a critical situation facing thousands of children who have fled Sudan.
The influx is overwhelming resources, leaving many children without basic necessities.
According to Save the Children, Renk, the initial reception point, is struggling to cope.
At least 1,300 people arrive daily, pushing the transit center’s capacity from 3,000 to a staggering 15,000 with women and children making up the vast majority of those seeking refuge.
Save the Children CEO, Inger Ashing, who visited Renk recently described the alarming situation to the media in Juba yesterday.
“The situation in Renk is alarming,” Ashing told journalists during a press conference on Thursday.
“The number of refugees and South Sudanese returning due to the conflict in Sudan is overwhelming. Children lack access to clean water, food, education, and healthcare. We need immediate action” she expressed.
Ashing further highlighted the growing mental health toll at the transit.
“Metal stress and health-related issues, especially trauma, are very common among returnees and refugees,” she stated.
Save the Children South Sudan Country Director also added her voice calling for increased funding.
Pornpun Jib Rabiltossaporn, Country Director for Save the Children South Sudan, emphasized the need for greater international support.
“There is not enough funding for the international community to respond effectively,” she said. “Resources are urgently needed to handle the situation, as the number of children keeps increasing daily.”
Save the Children South Sudan is actively providing crucial services in Renk, including; identifying and registering separated and unaccompanied children, facilitating family tracing and reunification, providing referrals to specialized services for GBV (gender-based violence) cases.
It further distributes emergency food and non-food items and offers psychosocial support through child-friendly spaces and child protection programs.
Save the Children reports that since the conflict in Sudan began, over 600,000 refugees and South Sudanese returnees have arrived in South Sudan, with more than 86% coming through Renk.