An interview with our Icelandic colleague Kjartan Atli Óskarsson, in Juba, South Sudan.
Kjartan Atli Óskarsson and a colleague distributing clothing in Juba County © Kume Michael Koang
Why did you choose to work for UNHCR?
“What I found interesting about working for UNHCR was that the organization works with an issue that is only growing globally. If you look at the increase in the number of refugees and internally displaced people around the world, it is clear that the needs of persons of concern will only continue to grow. It is a demanding situation and I feel that I can contribute to the important work being done by UNHCR.
It also interested me to get an insight into how the humanitarian response works – especially when it comes to internally displaced persons (IDPs) which is a distant concept for a person from Iceland.
I therefore found it exciting to have the opportunity to work on humanitarian issues, especially in a place like South Sudan. The situation in South Sudan is far different from the life I was living in Iceland – a small example is that in Juba, UN staff has a curfew– and it is fair to say that coming here means stepping well outside your comfort zone.
Previously I worked in the Visa and consular department of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Iceland, but one component of that work involved assisting Icelandic citizens that were having trouble while abroad. That experience has no doubt ignited this spark in me to start working at UNHCR and help those who are in need.”
How would you describe your work?
“My field of work since I started here has been very diverse and I have had the opportunity to step into many roles. Today, I work as a team leader in a team that focuses on internally displaced persons. More than 2.2 million people are internally displaced in South Sudan. The internal displacement in South Sudan is being caused by both conflict and climate change, especially flooding, but it is fair to say that South Sudan is at the forefront of the climate crisis. This is an especially tough situation since the people of South Sudan have a minimal contribution to the causes of climate change, yet they bear most of the cost.
The unit that I work in provides operational support for UNHCR field offices in South Sudan that are engaged in the response towards internally displaced persons in South Sudan. That includes regular visits to camps and working with our implementing partners to identify people who are in particularly vulnerable situations and ensure that they can access their rights – this could for example be persons with disabilities, single parents, mostly women, and households where children have to take care of seniors.
The needs in South Sudan are great, with additional displacements taking place almost every day. When displacements take place UNHCR needs to act quickly and safely, in coordination with other humanitarian partners. This can include finding displaced people, assessing their needs and providing them with the appropriate assistance. This assistance can be in the form of providing core relief items, cash assistance or referral for needed services.
Working with internally displaced persons can be a considerable challenge since the mandate, rules and regulations regarding internally displaced persons are not as clear-cut as it is for refugees. Internally displaced persons stay within the borders of their own country, meaning that it is the state itself that is responsible for their well-being. Internally displaced persons often move to areas where it is difficult for us to deliver humanitarian assistance and as a result, these people are among the most vulnerable in the world.“
Kjartan Atli Óskarsson with internally displaced persons in Malakal, South Sudan. © Mila Julius Henry Lokuta
What are some of the best experiences you’ve had, working for UNHCR?
“The most rewarding moments are when you are able to assist those who are in great need of assistance. In Upper Nile state, which is located in the northeast corner of South Sudan, a conflict broke out in August 2022 that has led to the displacement of tens of thousands of people. As a part of the UNHCR response, I have travelled three times to Malakal to support our office there who is leading our response. The first time I went, it was relatively shortly after the conflict had flared up, and it was amazing to see how quickly and professionally UNHCR responded to the situation.
Visiting different places in South Sudan and seeing all the great work our offices are doing is impressive. They work closely with the persons of concern, so while it’s shocking to see all the destruction and human consequences of the conflict, at the same time it is reassuring to see the swift and decisive response of our UNHCR colleagues.”
What are some of the challenges you’ve experienced, working for UNHCR?
“There are quite a few challenges in working in South Sudan, which unfortunately must be considered a dangerous area.
In early September I visited the conflict area in Upper Nile and travelled with my colleagues to a place on the White Nile called Adidiang. Here, UNHCR had, in collaboration with other partners, helped to set up a camp for several thousands of internally displaced people who had fled their homes and villages. A week after I was there, I got the news that Adidiang had been attacked and that the people had been forced to flee for their lives. This incident highlighted to me how fragile the situation is for internally displaced people.
In December last year, I also visited a village called Diel in the northern part of Jonglei State. There, I saw with my own eyes the aftermath of an attack on a village. It was shocking to see burnt houses everywhere, with elderly people sitting in the ruins. Seeing the aftermath of violence is always an unpleasant experience.
The challenges ahead are also great. The conflict in Upper Nile State is very serious, with no solution currently in sight. The combatants have targeted civilians, which has in addition to floodings in the state led to increased displacement and hardships for the people in the area. It is obvious when you are in Upper Nile that the combination of climate change and conflicts create immense humanitarian needs.”
“Stories from the Field” is an interview series providing insight into the daily lives of some of our Nordic and Baltic colleagues, working for the organization all over the world. UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, is present in 135 countries and territories around the world, helping men, women and children who have been forced to flee from their homes due to war, violence and persecution. Our headquarters are located in Geneva in Switzerland, but the vast majority of our employees work in the field and in the places in the world where the majority of the world’s refugees are situated. Learn more about UNHCR’s work here.
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