UNICEF warns of soaring internal displacement and worsening aid access in South Sudan

UNICEF disclosed that internal displacement in South Sudan has exceeded 400,000 since the start of the year, largely because of armed fighting and extreme weather events. July saw a fresh influx of refugees and returnees from Sudan, further burdening already stretched resources. The agency highlighted that humanitarian operations have deteriorated, with incidents affecting aid work rising sharply compared with the same period last year.

Access challenges stem from ongoing violence, illegal checkpoints, bureaucratic hurdles, floods and deteriorated infrastructure, especially in Jonglei, Upper Nile and Unity states where services have been disrupted for months. UNICEF estimates that roughly 10 million people, including 5.3 million children, require aid, and nearly 700,000 children face acute malnutrition risk. Funding gaps remain acute, with only a fraction of the 2026 humanitarian appeal secured, jeopardizing vital assistance for vulnerable families.