South Sudan

Conflict and insecurity continue to be major drivers of need in South Sudan. The humanitarian crisis persists due to a combination of sporadic armed clashes, intercommunal violence, food insecurity, public health challenges, and climate shocks. These factors have severely affected people’s livelihoods and hindered access to essential services such as water, sanitation, education, and healthcare.

In 2024, the economic crisis, ongoing conflict in Sudan, and widespread flooding further deepened people’s needs. Protection concerns remain particularly high for women and girls, especially those fleeing Sudan, who face extreme protection risks during their journey to South Sudan. Many arrive in poor physical and psychological conditions, having been exposed to gender-based violence and abuse. As of late December 2024, more than 900,000 people had arrived from Sudan, with projections estimating an additional 337,000 arrivals in 2025.

South Sudan remains the world’s second-most vulnerable country to extreme weather events, which will continue to affect communities across the country.

The food security situation continues to deteriorate due to a combination of shocks, including conflict, displacement, flooding, and a high cost of living. The ongoing influx of returnees and refugees from Sudan further worsens this situation. According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification of November 2024, approximately 6.1 million people (45 per cent of the population) are projected to face crisis-level or more severe acute food insecurity from December 2024 to March 2025. This number is expected to rise to 7.7 million (57 per cent of the population) during the lean season of April to July 2025. Meanwhile, 85 per cent of South Sudanese returnees from Sudan are likely to experience crisis-level or worse food insecurity. 

Malnutrition rates remain alarmingly high among children and women, with more than 2.1 million people at risk of acute malnutrition in 2025.

In 2025, US$1.7 billion will be required to assist 5.4 million of the most vulnerable people in South Sudan. Although more than half of the required $1.8 billion was received in 2024, this is insufficient to meet the increasing demands.

The response will continue to prioritize protection focusing on reducing risks, decreasing vulnerability, and enhancing the capacities of affected communities. Collaborative efforts with development and peace partners will be key to building community resilience and achieving sustainable solutions for crisis-affected people.