IDP camp in Juba adjunct to UN camp - courtesy

The government of Central Equatoria state is set to register IDPs at former PoC sites for permanent relocation and integration into their communities.

The decision comes following a meeting between Governor Emmanuel Adel Anthony and United Nations Special Advisor of the Secretary-General on Solutions to Internal Displacement, Robert Piper in Juba on Wednesday, April 5, 2023.

According to the state’s Minister of Cabinet Affairs, Wayi Godwill Edward the decision is in line with the directive by President Salva Kiir to the governor to provide land for the IDPs.

Kiir issued the directive at the end of Pope Francis’ visit to South Sudan in February.

Minister Godwill says the registration will provide data on the number of IDPs in the camps and those who have homes in Juba.

It will also inform the state government about those who want to settle in Juba and those willing to go back to their home areas.

“The government of Central Equatoria State with directives from His Excellency President Salva Kiir that registration of the inhabitants of the POC which is now the IDP centers has to be conducted”, Goodwill said.

“We want to know the number of the people who are there, and those people who have their homes previously in Juba, and the status of their homes,

“We also want to know people who are ready to go back to their home areas and others who would want to settle here,

“This is to give the leadership of the state a clue and the country to see how they can support these individuals with the support of the partners.”

For his part, the United Nations Special Advisor of the Secretary-General on Solutions to Internal Displacement Robert Piper says the UN is ready to support the process.

“His Excellency, the Governor shared with me his strategy, priority for the state government and so we had an exchange …… and ready to underline to him the support of the United Nations in making this happen,” said Piper.

“Too many people for too long have been in displacement some of them from different parts of the state, and some of them from the state itself,

“We will work together with the government to resolve this displacement and let people either go home or at least certain leave camps and settle where they want to settle. This is a fundamental right for the most vulnerable people of South Sudan.”

The UN advisor’s visit is to examine the IDPs’ situation and to advocate for the operationalization of the Secretary-General’s Action Agenda on Internal Displacement.

During the three-day mission, Robert Piper interacted with members of communities who have been displaced in Juba City and Wau town.