The UN Protection of Civilians site (PoC) has been successfully closed in Melut area in Upper Nile after internally displaced families expressed the desire to return to their former homes last week.
Hundreds of people have sought sanctuary at the site since civil war broke out in South Sudan four years ago. A recent count registered 562 people remaining. As security has improved, those in the camp expressed the desire and confidence to return to their homes.
In a statement issued by the UN Mission in South Sudan today, there has been significant consultation with the community and humanitarian agencies about the relocation process and ensuring the families continue to receive assistance when they return to their former communities.
“It’s gratifying to finally see people feel safe enough to go home. There is conflict across much of South Sudan where people fear for their lives. But in some areas, like Melut, we are able to help people out of the camps back to their communities,” said the head of UNMISS, David Shearer.
“We will look at every camp individually to see if the conditions allow people to return home voluntarily and safely. Where these conditions exist we will try to assist people back,” said David Shearer. “Camps are not a long term solution and certainly not the right place to bring up children or live with dignity.”