This brief highlights the emerging problem of growing number of urban IDPs in Juba. It draws attention to their unique experiences and challenges which the COVID-19 has exacerbated owing to their already poor living conditions and lack of access to basic social services. The brief argues that urgent and bold actions need to be taken to ensure that urban IDPs are not left behind in South Sudan’s development agenda. In particular, it recommends that; (i) the measures adopted by the government in fighting COVID-19 needs to prioritise urban IDPs and urges coordination with aid agencies to ensure that risk communication strategies are tailored to their needs and circumstances; (ii) that the government ensure provision of basic food aid to cushion sudden loss in income due to disruptions in the economy caused by COVID-19 and to ensure that the most vulnerable amongst urban IDPs are protected. Finally, it emphasises the need for the government to support long term settlement in areas that are surveyed and safe for them.
By Marie Courtoy | Apr 28, 2026
This ninth volume in our series on ‘Internal Displacement in a Changing World Order’ argues that international law is currently ill-suited to making human movement part of the solutions to climate change. It remains trapped in a palliative approach in the face of foreseeable risks, with a negative understanding of movement that limits the potential for positive adaptation. However, promoting adaptive mobility could minimise forced movement. Adaptive mobility can be individual, through sustainable solution options for those who decide to leave, or planned with the support of public authorities, subject to certain considerations and safeguards. The article proposes a conceptual evolution of human movements in international law to promote adaptive mobility and thus avoid displacement, while emphasising the need to consider the context in any (im)mobile adaptation measure.