UN allocates $22 M to support Sudanese refugees in neighbouring countries
May 19, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The Emergency Relief Coordinator, Martin Griffiths, has authorized the allocation of $22 million from the Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) to support humanitarian efforts in neighbouring countries, including Chad, the Central African Republic, Egypt, and South Sudan.
The emergency aid is in response to the dire humanitarian crisis that Sudan continues to face as violence persists, leading to a massive displacement of people across its borders. as violence persists, leading to a massive displacement of people across its borders.
The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) reports that approximately 250,000 individuals have sought refuge outside Sudan since the outbreak of fighting last month. Recognizing the urgent need to address the growing humanitarian situation, the allocation of funds aims to provide immediate relief to those affected by the crisis.
Violet Kakyomya, the Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Chad, recently visited the border in Koufroun, where refugees and returnees have sought shelter.
The recent violence in Sudan’s West Darfur state has forced an estimated 30,000 people to cross the border into Chad within the past week.
Humanitarian agencies are collaborating closely with the Chadian Government to scale up the response and provide essential aid to the displaced populations.
Inside Sudan, the conflict has internally displaced over 843,000 people, according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Tragically, the violence has also led to attacks on healthcare facilities and personnel. The World Health Organization (WHO) has verified 34 such attacks, with 21 impacting health facilities and 10 targeting healthcare workers.
In an effort to mitigate the impact on Sudanese civilians and bolster the healthcare response, WHO has delivered essential medicines and medical supplies to the State Ministry of Health and its partners in several states, including Al Jazirah, Gedaref, Kassala, Northern State, and River Nile.
Furthermore, over 30 tonnes of additional emergency health supplies are currently en route from Port Sudan to Wad Madani.
The situation in Sudan remains extremely challenging, with widespread displacement, escalating violence, and a dire need for humanitarian assistance.
The allocation of funds and the provision of vital supplies to neighbouring countries and within Sudan itself will help alleviate the suffering of affected populations and support the efforts of humanitarian agencies on the ground.
The United Nations and its partners continue to work tirelessly to address the crisis and provide vital aid to those in need.
(ST)