IOM appeals for urgent assistance amid world’s largest displacement crisis

January 17, 2024 (GENEVA) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) Wednesday called for a coordinated and continued humanitarian response to address the growing needs of millions of displaced people in Sudan, as the country grapples with the world’s largest displacement crisis.

In its latest Displacement Tracking Matrix (DTM) report, IOM revealed that over 7.7 million people have fled their homes since the conflict erupted in April 2023. Of these, six million are internally displaced within Sudan, while 1.7 million more have sought refuge in neighbouring countries, including South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Egypt, the Central African Republic, and Libya.

IOM Director General Amy Pope, who recently visited Eastern Chad to witness the impact of the conflict, urged the international community to step up funding efforts and not abandon the suffering millions.

“A ceasefire is urgently needed to enable people to rebuild their lives with dignity,” Pope emphasized. “We must not turn our back on the millions of people affected by this devastating conflict.”

IOM’s 2024 appeal seeks USD 307 million to reach 1.2 million people affected by the conflict, including internally displaced persons, refugees, returnees, and third-country nationals.

The humanitarian organization has already assisted over one million individuals in Sudan and neighbouring countries, including cash assistance to nearly 73,000 people and onward transportation of 150,000 to safe locations. IOM and partners are also delivering critical health, protection, water, sanitation, hygiene, and shelter interventions to those displaced by the conflict.

“Now, more than ever, we need all possible support to continue providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance and move towards recovery and long-term solutions,” Pope concluded.