Juba, February 19, 2026 (SSNA) — The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has launched a $1.6 billion appeal to address the growing humanitarian impact of the war in Sudan, with a focus on the strain in South Sudan and the wider region.
The 2026 Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRRP) aims to support 5.9 million people across seven neighboring countries: Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda. Approximately 470,000 new refugees are expected to cross borders this year.
UNHCR states that the crisis stems from the conflict that erupted in April 2023 between Sudan’s national army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which has created the world’s largest displacement crisis.
South Sudan is under particular pressure, with thousands of refugees arriving each week, overwhelming border facilities and basic services. Despite its own humanitarian and economic challenges, South Sudan has kept its borders open but urgently needs international support to provide food, shelter, healthcare, and protection services.
Across the region, 4.3 million Sudanese refugees are now displaced. UNHCR warns that without additional funding, critical services in frontline countries, especially South Sudan, could be reduced, further endangering both refugees and host communities.