The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in South Sudan says plans are in place to relocate IDPs in UNMISS bases to larger and better sites.

Toby Lanzer said the camps are congested and this could lead to health hazards especially during the rainy season.

He said other humanitarian supports will be prepositioned before the rains start.

Toby Lanzer told journalists that some IDPs will be encouraged to go home once the reconciliation process is over.

“We have several plans put in place regarding the IDPs. We have IDPs in about eight of the UNMISS bases throughout the country but most of them are in Malakal, Bor and the two sites of UNMISS here in Juba. So we are making sure that the sites are as prepared as they can be for the rainy season. We are also working with the authorities very closely on the development of alternative sites where people can be kept and kept safe. And then of course, we are hoping that efforts by the authorities to foster reconciliation would enable some people to try to go home. That would be the best outcome. That’s the durable solution,” he said.

Mr. Lanzer said the UN will acknowledge the rights of any South Sudanese who wishes to seek asylum in any country around the world.

About 60,000 IDPs are being hosted at UNMISS’ bases.

Eight thousand are in Bentiu, 9,000 in Bor and 12,000 in Malakal.

Juba hosts the largest number in the Tong Piny and Jebel sites.