Since the outbreak of war in Sudan a year ago, over half a million individuals have migrated to South Sudan via various border points.

Renk, a small town situated approximately 45 kilometers across the border in South Sudan's Upper Nile state, serves as the primary entry and transit hub.

Life in this town, already challenged by scarcity of resources and rainfall, has become even more difficult due to the surge in population resulting from its role as the main route for those fleeing conflict.

With daily increases in arrivals, many newcomers arrive exhausted, famished, and in dire need of assistance and protection at the Renk Transit Centre, where conditions are exceptionally harsh.

"As you can see, this is where they live and conditions are terrible. They do not have shelter, they lack food, water is still a problem here,” said Plan International case worker, Harriet Konga.

For more than a year, Sudan has been engulfed in war, sparked by escalating tensions between its military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, leading to street clashes in the capital, Khartoum, since April 2023.

According to Plan International, nearly 20,000 Sudanese refugees have sought refuge in Renk, posing significant challenges to humanitarian aid and support efforts due to the large influx of people.

"They seek peace, they need shelter, they need water, sanitation hygiene. I see a number of kids are just playing around the mud, they have not gone to school and have fear of the war. They want to move to a better place from here," said Sheeram KC of Plan International – Nepal