UNHCR says South Sudan hosts over 661,000 refugees, asylum-seekers

South Sudan is hosting 661,529 refugees and asylum-seekers in 31 locations nationwide, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).



In a statement released Friday, the UN refugee agency said the total includes 657,479 registered refugees and 4,050 asylum-seekers.



Sudanese refugees make up the vast majority of the population, accounting for 95 percent, followed by refugees from the Democratic Republic of the Congo at 2 percent.



The remaining refugees include those from Ethiopia, Eritrea, the Central African Republic, and other nationalities.



"In response to the ongoing conflict in Sudan, the government of South Sudan continues to grant prima facie refugee status to those fleeing the country," the UNHCR said.