Key achievements during the year included: operationalization of the UNMISS- UNHCR Principles of Partnerships; operationalization of State Level Task Forces countrywide; supporting the Government on the Sudan-South Sudan Solutions Initiative which led to the development of the National South Sudan Durable Solutions Strategy; facilitating the return over 6,000 IDPs; and bolstering support to return areas through implementation of the IDP boost which focused on infrastructure development in high return areas, and the IDP Enrolment project which was rolled out to ensure IDP data was collected through ProGress to support protection analysis using aggregated data. In addition, UNHCR engaged IDPs in numerous activities that elevated their voices including consultations on the constitution making process; consultations on the Durable Solutions Strategy; and opportunities to discuss IDP issues on radio Miraya run by UNMISS. UNHCR trained partners and Government including Immigration officers, the military, and officers of the judiciary. 21 boreholes were rehabilitated in Yei county in areas of high return hosting refugees, IDPs and returnees. Schools were also renovated in Kajokeji and, in the Yei AOR, there is one group of IDPs currently residing at the site opposite UNMISS which expressed intention to return following an intention survey initiated by UNHCR. However, these IDPs could not be assisted in 2021 though efforts were made through the State Level Taskforce to pool resources to facilitate the return. This was due to the conflict in Tambura, Western Equatoria which deemed the area of Maridi and Mundri unsafe. Gender-based violence and child protection cases and concerns were responded to appropriately through case management and referrals for support outside the scope of UNHCR interventions. Focus group discussions were conducted to identify key challenges facing the community to inform programme direction. Persons with specific needs were supported with customised support which included shelter in the form of plastic sheets and other NFIs.
Plans that did not progress as fast as expected were linked to implementation of the Sudan – South Sudan Solutions Initiative, as the political situation in Sudan adversely affected plans to have the regional Durable Solution Strategy endorsement through a summit. Plans to return IDPs were also impacted due to unprecedented floods and slow receding of water levels. Conflict in parts of Yei and Tambura also impacted potential returns. While needs among persons of concern continued to grow, vulnerabilities worsened and the number of persons with specific needs grew.