Sudanese crisis displaced record-breaking 10.7 million people: IOM

January 26, 2024 (GENEVA) – The International Organization for Migration (IOM) has released alarming data revealing that a staggering 10.7 million people have been displaced by the ongoing conflict in Sudan, including 9 million internally displaced persons (IDPs).

This unprecedented figure represents the world’s largest displacement crisis, highlighting the urgent need for intensified humanitarian efforts and global attention to address this dire situation.

The vast majority of displaced people, approximately 9 million, are still within Sudan’s borders, facing dire shortages of food, shelter, healthcare, and sanitation, leaving them highly vulnerable to disease, malnutrition, and violence.

Over 1.7 million Sudanese have fled the violence to neighbouring countries, with Chad hosting the largest proportion (37%), followed by South Sudan (30%) and Egypt (24%). The remaining displaced Sudanese have sought refuge in Ethiopia, Libya, and the Central African Republic, exacerbating humanitarian needs in these already fragile regions.

In a report released on January 25, 2024, The UN OCHA estimated 9.05 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) as of December 31, 2023.

Armed clashes in Sudan over the past nine months have forcibly displaced over six million people, adding to the three million already displaced within the country. These alarming statistics highlight the desperate need for urgent humanitarian action and global engagement to address the world’s largest displacement crisis.

IOM has launched a new Crisis Response Plan for Sudan, appealing for USD 168 million to expand its response.

The conflict in Sudan has had a devastating impact on ordinary citizens, causing extensive damage to critical infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, schools, roads, and utilities like power, water, and telecommunications. This infrastructure destruction has severely limited access to necessities and life-saving services.

The crisis has created an environment ripe for disease outbreaks, hunger, and malnutrition and has exacerbated the vulnerability of women and girls to sexual and gender-based violence.

With life-saving aid, IOM has reached nearly 1.2 million people in Sudan and neighbouring countries, assisting over 650,000 people in Sudan alone. This support encompasses essential protection and healthcare services, emergency shelter and relief items, cash-based support, clean water and hygiene kits, and critical onward transportation. The latter has enabled nearly 150,000 displaced people to reach safe locations in neighbouring countries and access humanitarian services in dignified and secure environments.

IOM calls for continued international support to address Sudan’s dire humanitarian crisis, emphasizing the need for an immediate ceasefire and the protection of civilians. The organization also urges all parties to the conflict to facilitate unhindered access for humanitarian aid workers to reach those in need.