According to the UNHCR, 51 percent of the refugees interviewed said they returned to South Sudan because the security situation improved in the country; 41 percent of the returnees said they wanted to reunite with their family members in South Sudan; 26 percent cited the improved availability of services in the country as a reason for returning.

"During the third quarter of 2023, a total of 2,646 households with approximately 12,244 individuals were interviewed in all the 10 states of Upper Nile, Northern Bahr el Ghazal, Western Bahr el Ghazal, Lakes, Jonglei, Central Equatoria, Eastern Equatoria, Western Equatoria, Unity, and Warrap states," the UN agency said in its latest survey released in the South Sudanese capital of Juba.

On a quarterly basis, the UNHCR and partners collect information on refugee returns through key informant interviews, focus group discussions, and partner monitoring reports.

In collaboration with the South Sudanese government’s Relief and Rehabilitation Commission, the UNHCR verifies the reports by conducting random interviews with selected returnee households in the areas of return.

South Sudanese displaced by conflict in Sudan are seen at the reception center in Renk County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, on April 30, 2023. (Photo by Denis Elamu/Xinhua)

South Sudanese evacuated from Sudan by a United Nations agency arrive at the reception center in Renk County, Upper Nile State, South Sudan, on April 30, 2023. (Photo by Denis Elamu/Xinhua)