IOM receives new funding to support humanitarian and recovery support in South Sudan
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has received new funding from the United States Agency for International Development’s Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance (USAID/BHA) to step up humanitarian response and recovery efforts in South Sudan.
According to a press release from IOM, the funding which amounts to $30,375,000, comes at a time when South Sudanese are working towards nation-building following the revitalization of the peace process and the formation of the Transitional Government of National Unity earlier this year.
“With this funding, IOM will prioritize safety and dignity, ensure meaningful access to services for the most vulnerable, and encourage local communities to participate in the transition and recovery activities in their communities,” IOM South Sudan’s Chief of Mission, Jean-Philippe Chauzy said.
“Though the intensity of the conflict has reduced since the signing of the peace agreement, the country is still facing devastating human and financial costs as a result of the protracted crisis. This is why we must make available the much-needed support to enable the most vulnerable people find their way to transition and recovery,” Chauzy added.
Years of conflict in the country led to deteriorating conditions for communities across South Sudan, forcing people to flee their homes and seek refuge and more favorable living conditions.
IOM approximates that nearly 4 million people remain displaced, of which 1.6 million internally. 1.5 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) are in the United Nations Protection of Civilians (PoC) sites and 2.2 million remain in neighbouring countries.
The funding will enable IOM to focus on underserved and hard-to-reach areas facing great severity of humanitarian needs and humanitarian coordination.
