Dzaipi transit centre in northern Uganda, where UNHCR has erected tents for many of the refugees. © UNHCR/F.Noy

The UN refugee agency and humanitarian partners have appealed for 1.3 billion US dollars to support South Sudanese refugees and their host communities in the region this year.

UNHCR and over 100 humanitarian and development partners said the finance is badly needed to protect and assist 2.2 million South Sudanese refugees in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), Ethiopia, Kenya, Sudan and Uganda.

The appeal comes amid a deteriorating economic situation that has pushed up fuel and food prices and increased unemployment in the region, due to the long-term impact of the COVID-19 and the impact of the war in Ukraine.

“Host countries that have generously welcomed South Sudanese refugees are bearing the strain of the crisis amid staggering levels of under-funding, prolonged drought, and severe food shortages, including food ration cuts for refugees,” the agency said.

While launching the South Sudan Refugee Response Plan on Tuesday, UNHCR urged the international community to scale up support for the millions of refugees who are unable to return home, due to violence and years of flooding.

The UN agency says the support will be crucial in meeting refugees’ most immediate needs in host countries, including for shelter, education, health and food assistance.

“With women and children comprising 80 per cent of all South Sudanese refugees in the region, funding for programs to prevent and respond to gender-based violence need to be prioritized.”

The appeal also aims to provide digital cash assistance, and access to finance and training, to help refugees and local communities generate income, supplement their needs and live in dignity, says UNHCR.