UNHCR South Sudan Border Monitoring Report - Spontaneous Returns Monitoring - June 2025

Executive Summary

In June 2025, at least 26,443 South Sudanese nationals arrived in South Sudan, as recorded by border monitoring enumerators deployed at various border points. The majority from Sudan, Ethiopia, CAR, DRC and Uganda. The highest number of arrivals came from Sudan (22,261), followed by Ethiopia (3,853), CAR (126), DRC (113), and Uganda (90). Of the 26,443 arrivals, 16,381 (62%) were returnees, while 10,062 (38%) were pendular movement, meaning that they intend to stay in South Sudan for a duration of less than on year.

An analysis of the reasons for return, as reported by South Sudanese nationals interviewed at crossing points, indicates reunification with family members for permanent living (38%) and insecurity (31%) were the primary reasons for crossing into South Sudan. Other notable reasons include lack of employment and livelihood opportunities (13%), forced return (6%), permanent return to the country of origin from displacement (6%), short visit for a family reason (1%), food insecurity/reduction in food rations (1%), lack of access to basic services (1%), and short visit for a livelihood reasons (1%).

However, when examining reasons for return by country of asylum, insecurity was most frequently cited by arrivals from Sudan and the DRC, while food insecurity/reduction in food rations was a prominent reason among returnees from Ethiopia and CAR. In contrast, returns from Uganda were more often driven by lack of access to basic services and family-related visits. These variations highlight the differing socio-economic, political, and humanitarian conditions across countries of asylum.

Importantly, since May 2025, due to limited funds, UNHCR limited its presence at fourteen border crossing points in Morobo and Kajo-Keji counties of Central Equatoria State. Additionally, in Eastern Equatoria, operational presence has also significantly declined at more than ten border points, including key crossings such as Nimule, Nadapal, and Lobone.

The closure and reduced presence at these strategic border points have led to gaps in timely and accurate information on cross-border movements, protection concerns, security incidents, gender-based violence, and the identification of vulnerable individuals arriving from Uganda, Kenya, and the DRC.

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