Provision of Onward Transport and Cash Assistance to Returnees Affected by the Sudan Crisis ltpgtltbrgtThe outbreak of fighting in Sudan on 15 April 2023 has severely affected the humanitarian situation in South Sudan, particularly in northern states of the country. Since the onset of the crisis, the influx of people fleeing Sudan has increased sharply at multiple border points between Sudan and South Sudan, in particular in Upper Nile, Northern and Western Bahr Ell Ghazal States. As of 12 January 2024, more than 494,000 individuals have crossed the border, the majority entering through the Wunthow border point in Upper Nile, seeking safety.lt/pgtltpgt ltbrgtIn 2024, IOM South Sudan appeals for a total of USD 31.8 million to respond to the movement assistance needs in South Sudan. The anticipated influx of returnees and refugees is projected to reach 420,000 individuals in 2024, out of which 150,000 are expected to require Onward Transportation Assistance (OTA) throughout the year. However, IOM faces a critical funding gap of USD 26.6 million, limiting its ability to provide OTA. The current funding will only sustain operations at a reduced capacity only until the end of January 2024, leaving many returnees stranded and exposed to heightened vulnerabilities. ltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtWith South Sudan Humanitarian Fund (SSHF) Reserve Allocation 1, IOM will provide OTA to 10,400 (5,087 male, 5,313 female) returnees to travel from Joda to Renk, Renk to Malakal and then to their final destinations. IOM monitors the flow of new arrivals at different points of entry (PoE), ensuring the generation of accurate, reliable, and timely information that is shared with humanitarian partners. This data empowers partners to plan and implement activities effectively, tailored to the evolving caseload.ltbrgtlt/pgtltpgtltbrgtTo do so, IOM will continue to conduct rapid vulnerability screenings in order to identify and register the most vulnerable people at PoE and ascertain their voluntariness to return to their areas of origin or intended destination (if different from area of origin) and thereafter facilitate OTA. Prior to provision of movement assistance, protection safeguards through provision of specialized protection interventions will be undertaken for individuals with heightened protection needs, risks and vulnerabilities including unaccompanied children and victims of violence, exploitation and abuse. IOM tailors OTA to the unique needs of returnees, considering their vulnerability, local conditions, and preferred destinations. This includes plane chartering for highly vulnerable individuals or those facing challenging travel circumstances, as well as providing one-time unconditional cash assistance for returnees using flights to their state capitals or final destinations. Additionally, IOM supports authorities involved in returnee transport by providing fuel for government-hired boats, boosting overall transportation capacity. The Malakal transit centre, managed and operated by IOM, originally designed to accommodate 3,000 returnees, is currently strained beyond its capacity, hosting double the anticipated number. This critical facility serves as a vital staging point for returnees arriving from Renk, awaiting onward transportation, typically facilitated by flights and boats. Maintaining and upgrading the Malakal transit centre is essential for ensuring the well-being of these vulnerable individuals. Increased capacity will allow IOM to provide essential services and support to a larger number of returnees while mitigating issues related to overcrowding and health risks.ltbrgtlt/pgt