South Sudan’s Kiir, UN official discuss Sudan crisis
June 22, 2024 (JUBA) – South Sudan President Salva Kiir and the head of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, met on Friday to discuss the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
Both leaders affirmed their commitment to joint efforts to aid refugees.
Grandi, who met with key officials in South Sudan’s transitional government, has been touring the region to engage leaders on the crisis in Sudan and ways to alleviate suffering.
He recently visited Sudan, meeting with displaced persons and authorities. The UNHCR chief has called for dialogue and peace in Sudan, where millions continue to flee violence in Kordofan, Darfur, and Khartoum.
South Sudan’s Minister of Humanitarian Affairs, Albino Atak Akol, attended the meeting and stated that discussions focused on integrating Sudanese refugees into the country.
The South Sudanese leader praised the efforts of the UNHCR and the international community for their quick response to the Sudanese crisis.
Grandi expressed appreciation for President Kiir’s understanding of the situation and the role South Sudan plays in providing relief to Sudanese refugees.
He revealed that nearly 8 million people, half of them children, women, and the elderly, have fled Sudan since the conflict erupted. 560,000 of those refugees have sought refuge in South Sudan.
Grandi recently visited White Nile state in Sudan, where he met refugees and internally displaced persons in Kosti, many of whom lack shelter and are struggling to secure resources for humanitarian operations and assistance.
(ST)