International Organization for Migration or IOM reports shows that there is decline in the number of people in two of the country’s largest UN camps in Wau and Bentiu.
Recent headcounts indicate that 114,330 people are residing in Bentiu UN Mission in South Sudan or UNMISS Protection of Civilians site, while 25,968 people in Wau.
It is difficult to account for those, who have left the sites without verification as people do not usually alert camp management when they leave permanently.
‘Data, such as population sizes in the PoCs, is vital to our operations,’ said Jean-Philippe Chauzy, IOM South Sudan Chief of Mission.
The official adds that ‘It shows us what is required to meet people’s needs and where the displaced are when outside of the displacement sites’.
‘Furthermore, having people return to their areas of origin does not mean an end to humanitarian requirements in South Sudan.
Chauzy trust that international donors will continue to support the people of South Sudan and enable IOM to further provide aid as the country moves to sustainable peace.