A Glimpse of Hope in Wau's Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) Settlements

Imagine losing everything you've ever worked for in an instant. Your home, your tools, your sense of security – all vanishing as you flee to save your life. This is not a hypothetical scenario, but the harsh reality faced by hundreds of families in Wau, South Sudan, where conflict has torn communities apart and forced people to abandon their homes with nothing but hope for eventual return.
 

For Alexander KPagul and his family of seven, this nightmare became a reality during the 2016 conflict. Their house was reduced to rubble, forcing them into a temporary shelter, a far cry from the home they once knew. Like many others, Alexander's attempts to reclaim his property hit a devastating roadblock – his land wasn't registered, and the local housing ministry lacked sufficient resources to help. After several frustrated visits to the registry office, he began to accept this existence as his family's new normal.

Hope arrived through an unexpected channel. During a community outreach program, Alexander met an International Organization for Migration (IOM) community case worker who introduced him to a new complaint tracking system. Unlike the previous paper-based filing system, this innovative approach – though a simple excel-sheet format – proved efficient in its ability to track cases by date and location. More importantly, it came with dedicated case workers who became the bridge between displaced families and their dreams of returning home.

"I am really excited that IOM has been able to build this house for me. The house has given me and my family a home, and it comes with proper documentation too!" Alexander shared, his voice carrying the excitement and relief of finally having a permanent residence.

His story represents just one success among hundreds. Thanks to the UN Secretary General's Peacebuilding Fund, the Community Action for Peaceful Resolution of Housing, Land and Property (HLP) Disputes and Conflicts project has documented over 301 similar cases in the past three years, with more than 100 already resolved. The impact has resonated with local authorities. As the Director for Registry at the State Ministry of Housing, Land and Public Utilities noted, 

"The new filing system gave me information on both completed and pending cases, which provides clear direction. It has given me access to data which I could not report before."

The project recognized that true recovery extends beyond housing – it requires helping people become self-sufficient. Working with the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO), the initiative distributed essential farming and fishing supplies to over 30 families in Alexander's settlement, including seeds, tools, and nets. One recipient, Kilele James, exemplifies how these resources have revitalized the community.

"As a person with a disability, the seeds helped me grow food myself, which makes me more independent and supports my livelihood," Kilele explained, gesturing to her flourishing garden of okra, eggplants, and tomatoes – crops that now feed her family and provide essential income.

In Lokoloko, Wau, over 100 households have found new hope through this initiative. Their story demonstrates how rebuilding lives, restoring dignity, and creating robust systems can prevent future displacement crises. As communities continue to heal and rebuild, the United Nations in South Sudan remains committed to applying innovative solutions to transform lives and restore hope to those who have lost everything.