UN urges end to Sudan conflict, amid growing displacements
July 24, 2023 (GENEVA) – The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR), is calling for an end to the fighting in Sudan, amid serious concerns about the rapidly escalating numbers of displaced people fleeing the conflict in search of safety.
More than 740,000 refugees, including a growing number of refugee returnees, have fled Sudan and arrived to harrowing conditions in neighbouring countries, including Chad, the Central African Republic, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan.
Additionally, UNHCR said, over 185,000 refugees hosted by Sudan have been forced into safer areas, becoming trapped in a relentless cycle of displacement.
The escalation of the conflict in Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan regions has triggered massive internal displacement, leading to civilian casualties and deaths.
The agency also cited disturbing reports of grave human rights violations, including sexual violence and other protection risks during flight, also on the rise.
It said it was alarmed at the serious health and nutrition crisis unfolding in Sudan’s White Nile State where its teams report nearly 300 South Sudanese refugee children dying from suspected measles and malnutrition since conflict started.
“These figures are staggering; civilians who have nothing to do with this conflict are sadly uprooted from their homes and livelihoods on a daily basis,” said Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees.
“This has to stop. It is time for all parties to this conflict to immediately end this tragic war. Pending this much needed peaceful dialogue, people must be allowed to leave conflict areas to find safety, whether within or outside the country, and be protected from all forms of violence,” he added.
According to UNHCR, as more people continue to flee, displacement sites within the country and in neighbouring countries are rapidly becoming overcrowded.
The agency, however, stressed that it is doing everything within its means to provide lifesaving assistance to the conflict affected people whenever accessed.
“Together with partners, we are providing hot meals, clean water, healthcare and core relief items and shelter to the newly displaced in Sudan and in neighbouring countries. UNHCR is also providing essential protection, including specialized services to refugee children, survivors of gender-based violence, psychosocial support and mental health care to help families recover from trauma,” it noted.
Also, of the $566 million required by UNHCR and other partners for the Regional Refugee Response Plan (RRP) to provide assistance in countries neighbouring Sudan, only about a quarter (24 per cent) has reportedly been received.
The inter-agency response inside Sudan is only 23% funded, it stressed.
UNHCR urgently appeals for more donor support to be able to assist and protect conflict-affected populations. We also reiterate our calls for safe access for humanitarian workers so that lifesaving aid can reach all those in desperate need.
Since fighting broke out in Sudan in April, over 3.3 million people have been displaced within the country and across borders. Prior to the crisis, however, Sudan was home to 1.1 million refugees from South Sudan, Eritrea and Ethiopia.
(ST)