Conditions continue to deteriorate in South Sudan refugee crisis

At 60 years old, Lasuba Yousoto is once again a refugee. Last year, increased violence in the Equatoria region of South Sudan forced Lasuba to seek refuge at the Imvepi refugee settlement in Northern Uganda.

“The first day when I arrived last year I shed tears, because it’s like my whole life has been a refugee life,” Lasuba told UN Refugee Agency head Filippo Grandi during a meeting earlier this month in Imvepi.

Nearly five years of violence have devastated the people of South Sudan. The crisis continues to be the fastest growing and largest in Africa, with nearly 2.5 million refugees fleeing to neighboring countries.

Deteriorating conditions in the country have forced 1 in 3 South Sudanese - either within South Sudan or across borders – to flee. The UN Refugee Agency projects the total number of refugees will cross the 3 million mark in 2018.

2018 South Sudan refugee projections

Despite the hardship and violence endured in South Sudan, refugees like Lasuba remain hopeful for a peaceful return home.

“This is the fourth time I have been a refugee. Uganda has been good to me but I want to go back [home].”

Here is how you can help

South Sudanese families forced to flee need your help. Your gifts will change lives with both urgent assistance and long-term support. Please make your gift today.