South Sudan's English Daily Newspaper
"We Dare where others fear"
By Jenifer James
Amid regional instability and the 2023 conflict, South Sudan is now home to more than 600,000 refugees from neighbouring countries, including the Democratic Republic of Congo, Rwanda, Eritrea, and Sudan.
The government has reaffirmed its commitment to an open-door policy, providing refuge and support to those fleeing violence.
Speaking at the conclusion of the celebration on Saturday, the Executive Director of the Commission for Refugees, Raja Gabirel, reiterated the government’s stance during the national event.
“South Sudan is hosting more than 600,000 refugees from different countries—from the Congolese, from Rundi, from Syria, Eritrea, and from Sudan, due to the last conflict which happened in 2023,” Gabirel said. “We have the policy of open door to help refugees enter our country.”
Raja stated that, regardless of the challenges the country faces in providing services to refugees, there is a need for long-term goals for the refugee population.
“As South Sudanese, we have also experienced displacement. Now, we welcome refugees to our beloved country because we understand what it means. We aim to see refugees not only hosted but integrated, with access to education, healthcare, scholarships, and durable solutions for a better future,” Raja added.
The event was celebrated in collaboration with the Ministry of Gender, the Ministry of Education, and other local stakeholders. Cultural and sports activities brought together refugees and host communities to promote peace and social cohesion.
“This is a social gathering to support peaceful, consistent, and social provision among the refugees and the hosting community. We are celebrating this support that goes beyond borders.”
“We really need to see that refugees have durable solutions, integration with the community, and even access to education, health, and scholarships. This is how refugees become more independent, instead of just being hosted all the time.”
Raja stressed that hosting refugees is not just a duty but a shared experience for the South Sudanese people.
“Because you are refugees, you are our people. We are hosts; South Sudanese used to be refugees—and still are refugees in different countries. Now we welcome others into our beloved country.”
Despite strong political will, she acknowledged that the Commission for Refugees faces significant challenges in meeting the growing needs of displaced people.
“I appreciate this day where we gather all the refugees from across South Sudan. But we need continued support to ensure they are not just surviving—but thriving.”
Meanwhile, the Chairperson of the Nubia Community, Urban Refugees in Juba, Ashraf Ishag Ibrahim, acknowledged the value of the event but highlighted ongoing challenges.
“There are still major issues facing refugees in the country, particularly when it comes to accessing healthcare and education,” Ibrahim said.
South Sudan continues to uphold its open-door policy for refugees, despite the increasing challenges faced by the country’s Commission for Refugees. This commitment was reiterated during a celebration marking World Refugee Day, where officials highlighted the country’s role in hosting over 600,000 refugees from across the region.
