UNHCR condemns misuse of aid by military entities in Sudan
September 17, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) stated on Tuesday that it has seen images showing the misuse of its aid by military entities, although it could not verify their authenticity.
Earlier this month, the Governor of Darfur, Mini Arko Minawi, and activists shared photos and videos showing the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) using UNHCR-branded tarpaulins for military purposes. Sudan’s foreign ministry also requested that UNHCR clarify the RSF’s use of its material to cover weapons.
In an Arabic statement received by Sudan Tribune, the UNHCR said, “We have seen images circulating on social media platforms showing the misuse of UNHCR-branded tarpaulins by military entities.”
It added, “While we cannot verify the authenticity of this content, it is important to note that the UNHCR has experienced several instances of theft and looting of relief items in various locations in Sudan.”
The UNHCR also revealed the misuse of its logo on materials sold by commercial suppliers.
The RSF faces accusations of looting humanitarian aid from warehouses of UN agencies and humanitarian organizations in several areas, including Khartoum, Al Jazirah, and Darfur.
The UNHCR expressed its deep concern about aid being stolen, diverted, or not reaching displaced people and refugees hosted in Sudan, who are facing ongoing violence and famine.
It continued, “The misuse of UNHCR-branded relief items by military entities creates negative perceptions about the neutrality of humanitarian aid and puts our operations and staff at risk.”
It emphasized that the misuse of relief items undermines its ability to provide urgently needed assistance and protection to millions of Sudanese people forced to flee their homes, both within the country and in neighbouring countries.
UN agencies operating in Sudan are facing increasing pressure to fulfil their mandate of providing relief to millions of people, while facing a severe funding shortage and continued obstruction of their humanitarian operations by the conflicting parties.