I am a person affected by the current situation in Sudan

An asylum-seeker is a person who is applying (or preparing to apply) for asylum in another country to seek international protection. While not every asylum-seeker will ultimately be recognized as a refugee, an asylum-seeker may not be sent back to their country of origin until a final determination.

Refugees are defined and protected in international and national law. The 1951 Refugee Convention is a key international legal document and defines a refugee as:

“someone who is unable or unwilling to return to their country of origin owing to a well-founded fear of being persecuted for reasons of race, religion, nationality, membership of a particular social group, or political opinion.”

The Minister of Interior may, if it is evident that there is a mass influx of asylum seekers into South Sudan, declare that class of persons to be refugees under prima facie consideration (Group recognition) and will not undergo individual refugee status determination.

You can claim asylum by, orally or in writing, presenting your claim to UNHCR, CRA or Immigration officials. Your claim will be processed by CRA, the government body responsible to deal with all asylum and refugee related matters. If you claim asylum through UNHCR or Immigration department, your case will be presented to CRA for further processing.

According to international law, any armed elements must first renounce armed activities for their asylum claim to be considered. Therefore, to maintain the civilian nature of asylum, all military personnel are expected to surrender their arms before the process of asylum can begin.

Upon presenting your interest in seeking asylum, the asylum seekers are registered as asylum seekers in South Sudan. Upon registration, an Asylum Seeker Certificate is issued, and you will be in the process for  Refugee Status Determination/RSD.

The CRA conducts the Refugee Status Determination, it is a detailed process of interviewing and assessing each individual asylum-seeker’s account of why you had left your home country or why you cannot return to their country. If a person is not recognized as a refugee, you have the right to appeal and have the case reconsidered. If you are still not recognized during the appeal process, you can appeal further to the High Court after which, if your asylum claim is rejected, then you will no longer be recognized as an asylum-seeker and therefore no longer a person of concern to UNHCR.

However, if you are granted refugee status under prima facie consideration, you will be provided with a refugee ID valid for 3 years.

UNHCR works closely with the Government of South Sudan and is informed at various stages of the refugee status determination process for everyone. This allows the Government to be able to fulfil its obligations to protect recognized refugees and people seeking asylum.

In accordance with International Law and the Refugee Act, 2012, General Prohibition of Refusal of Entry, Expulsion, Extradition or Return to other Country in Certain Circumstances:

After an asylum seeker has exhausted all rights to seek asylum and fails to be recognized, the government of South Sudan may deal with the person under the South Sudan Passports and Immigration Act.

Once recognized or registered as an asylum seeker, a refugee/asylum seeker can apply through the CRA for permission for his or her members to enter and reside in South Sudan for purposes of family reunification. If a refugee or asylum seeker has lost contact with their family, the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) may assist in family tracing so that the refugee or asylum seeker can reunify with the family.

Yes. Should you wish to travel to another country, you can do so by using your passport. UNHCR will not facilitate this.

Please contact and inform nearest UNHCR office in South Sudan and you will be assisted.

If you come to South Sudan and choose not to seek asylum, it is your right to do so. Seeking asylum is a personal decision that depends on individual circumstances and needs. However, if you are fleeing persecution or other forms of serious harm in your country of origin, it is important to consider seeking asylum as a means of protection.

As a refugee, you are entitled to certain rights and protection under international law, including the right to non-refoulement, which means you cannot be returned to a country where you may face persecution or other serious harm. Seeking asylum is one way to access these rights and protection.

If you decide not to seek asylum, you may still be able to access other forms of assistance and support from humanitarian organizations, such as access to basic necessities like shelter, food, water, and healthcare, as well as education, vocational training, and livelihood opportunities. However, please note that the availability of assistance and support may vary depending on your status and needs.

If you seek asylum in South Sudan, UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations may be able to provide you with temporary shelter at the refugee camps/settlements.

The type of housing that is provided may vary depending on the location of refugee camps/settlements and the specific needs of the refugees. Refugees may be provided with emergency shelter such as tents or temporary shelters made of materials like plastic sheeting or corrugated iron sheets.

UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations work to ensure that the housing provided to refugees meets minimum standards for safety, sanitation, and privacy. This may include access to clean water and sanitation facilities, as well as basic household items like bedding, cooking utensils, and hygiene supplies.

It is important to note that the availability and quality of housing may vary depending on the location and resources available. In some cases, refugees may be required to share housing with other families or individuals in order to maximize the use of available space.

Should you wish to determine your own housing location outside refugee camps/settlements, you are entitled to manage your own housing once you have been properly registered by CRA at the nearest reception/transit centres dedicated for new arrivals from Sudan.

UNHCR does not provide refugees with a monthly salary. However, UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations may be able to provide refugees with assistance and support in meeting their basic needs, such as shelter, food, water, healthcare, and education.

The types of assistance and support available vary depending on the location and the specific needs of the refugee population. In some cases, refugees may be provided with cash or other forms of assistance to meet their basic needs. This may include food vouchers, cash transfers, or other forms of financial assistance.

It is important to note that the availability and types of assistance may vary depending on the location and resources available. In some cases, refugees may be required to rely on their own resources or the support of family and community members to meet their basic needs.

In South Sudan, any person granted refugee status, and in possession of a valid refugee card issued by the CRA shall be entitled to seek employment as provided for in the Refugee Act.

Procedures ensuring employment of refugees and asylum seekers are managed by the Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Ministry of Interior.

UNHCR and other humanitarian organizations are working with the government to address any challenges/hindrances related to right of work for refugees and asylum seekers.

No, you do not need to pay to be registered as an asylum seeker or to receive assistance from UNHCR or other humanitarian organizations. Registration and assistance services are provided free of charge to refugees and asylum seekers in need.

If you encounter anyone requesting payment for registration or assistance, please report this to the local UNHCR office or another trusted humanitarian organization immediately. UNHCR and its partners are committed to ensuring that refugees and asylum seekers can access the support they need without being exploited or taken advantage of.

If you are a refugee or an asylum seeker and wish to register with CRA/UNHCR, you can go to the nearest CRA/UNHCR office, Reception Centers managed by CRA/UNHCR, help/information desk near you. If you are unable to locate them approach any humanitarian office or team and ask them to refer you to us.

Sexual exploitation and abuse is when someone in a position of power, such as a UN staff member or other humanitarian worker, trades or demands sex in exchange for something like food, money, registration, or protection. It also includes any sexual activity with someone who is unable to give their consent, like a child or someone who is unconscious. This behavior is illegal and violates the human rights of the individuals involved. The UN has strict policies and procedures in place to prevent and respond to sexual exploitation and abuse.

Any refugee, asylum seeker or returnee can report any incidents of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse to the UNHCR focal person on +211 (0)922 405 670 or UN inter-agency complaint mailbox [email protected].

If you have any further questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to reach out to UNHCR or other humanitarian organizations working in the area. We are here to support you and help during this challenging time.