20 June 2014 - More than 360,000 South Sudanese had crossed into neighbouring countries since conflict broke out in the country in December 2013, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said in Juba today.

Speaking to Radio Miraya as the agency partnered with the government today to commemorate World Refugee Day, UNHCR Senior External Relations Officer Teresa Ongaro also revealed that, in addition to more than one million displaced people in the South Sudan, there were also almost 240,000 refugees.

“This year, we have planned events to show solidarity with the millions affected by the South Sudan conflict,” said Ms. Ongaro, adding that the day is celebrated to draw attention to millions of refugees and internally displaced people (IDPs) who have been forced to flee their homes due to war, conflict and persecution.

Working with the South Sudan Commission for Refugees Affairs, the agency organized a series of events to commemorate the day.

These included the handover of four training rooms to Digala Police Training Centre on the outskirts of Juba about two kilometres from Gorom Refugee Settlement, on 16 June.

“UNHCR built the classrooms at the request of UNPOL (who are) vital in helping to promote peace and security,” a statement from the refugee agency said.

Other events included a groundbreaking ceremony for construction of a girls’ dormitory at Juba Orphanage on 18 June and the launch of Refugee Identity Cards today.

“The Commission for Refugee Affairs is in the process of sensitizing relevant institutions such as the national police and immigration bodies,” she said. “With an ID card, refugees will no longer risk being considered as illegal aliens.”

Special Representatives of the Secretary-General in Burundi, Central African Republic, Democratic Republic of the Congo, South Sudan and Central Africa today issued a joint press release.

Their representatives, including UNMISS chief Hilde F. Johnson, called on all governments and parties to conflict in the region to “cease all fighting and enable all refugees and displaced people to return to their homes in safety and dignity”.

“Together with the UNHCR and the whole UN family, our partners in government and civil society can create durable peace and stability, with a safe home for everyone,” said the regional mission heads. “One family torn apart by war is too many.”