IOM seeks over $10m for S. Sudanese returnees

November 30, 2013 (JUBA)- The International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has launched an appeal for $10.5m as emergency assistance for vulnerable South Sudanese stranded in Sudan.

Over 19,000 southerners, the agency said, were still stranded in the Sudanese capital, Khartoum, two years after failing to move south as planned by the two governments ahead of South Sudan’s 2011 self-determination referendum.

The returnees, IOM said, are currently stranded in “open” and “mixed” areas, worsened by heavy flooding, which reportedly damaged shelters, creating public health concerns.

In case, for instance, 12 South Sudanese, including eight members of the same family, were reportedly killed during the height of the flooding when their homes collapsed.

“The most feasible option to immediately address the urgent, life-saving needs of the population stranded in Khartoum is the provision of safe transport assistance to their final destinations in South Sudan,” said, Mario Lito Malanca, IOM chief of mission in Sudan.

In September this year, an agreement was signed between the two governments expressing mutual concern for the humanitarian situation and confirming support to facilitate the movement of citizens in both countries.

“However, while both governments have indicated their willingness to address the needs of this vulnerable population, they are unable to fund the transportation costs,” IOM said in a statement.

Meanwhile, the agency said will support both governments by providing safe transportation to the South Sudanese in Khartoum who want to return to South Sudan.

Working together with government and humanitarian partners, IOM will arrange road and river convoys to bring the returnees to their intended final destinations in South Sudan, it stressed.

Since 2005, IOM has been involved in the returns of South Sudanese from Sudan and has, to date, reportedly provided transport assistance by road, river and air to nearly 175,000 people.

(ST)