UN refugee agency has assisted five hundred and sixty two women, men and children to places of their choice, marking the closure of Melut protection of civilians’ site.
The assistance follows UNHCR and UNMISS’ joint efforts since early December 2017.
Over the past three weeks, a UNHCR team has been working with the IDPs at Melut to return them to their homes or places of their choice within South Sudan, says UNHCR Representative in South Sudan Johann Siffointe.
The official says estimated 80 percent of the IDPs chose to relocate to Renk, Ulang, Mading, Udier, Fangak, Wau, Aweil and Melut County.
The remaining 75 IDPs chose to stay under the protection of UNMISS and relocate to the Malakal, he adds.
‘It’s gratifying to finally see people feel safe enough to go home’, says David Shearer, Head of UNMISS.
There is conflict across much of South Sudan where people fear for their lives, but some areas, like Melut, UNMISS is able to help people go back to their communities, he adds.
‘We will look at every camp individually to see if the conditions allow people to return home voluntarily and safely’, said Shearer.
The head of UNMISS notes that the closure of the site at Melut will enable the peacekeeping troops based there to increase patrols in the surrounding area.
Extending UNMISS’ protective presence into communities will save lives and build confidence so that more people will feel safe enough to return home.