Concerted efforts needed to end Sudan conflict: Grandi

June 19, 2024 (NEW YORK) – Many more people will flee the brutal war in Sudan and into neighbouring countries unless concerted efforts are made to end the ongoing conflict, a senior United Nations official said on Wednesday.

Filippo Grandi, UN High Commissioner for Refugees made the remarks after concluding his second visit to Sudan since the conflict broke out in April last year.

He visited refugee camps and displacement centres in Kosti, in Sudan’s White Nile State, where over a million people have sought shelter since the fighting started.

The UN official described the level of suffering in Sudan as truly unconscionable, citing shocking human rights atrocities and the massive displacements of people.

He warned that terrible famine is looming, and severe floods will soon hamper aid deliveries even more. Grandi also expressed deep alarm at the scale of the humanitarian emergency.

In recent weeks, however, violence has escalated in El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur State and atrocities have been reported against civilians in Al Jazira State.

The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and partners have reportedly scaled up response efforts in White Nile and other areas. Since the start of the conflict, UNHCR has reached some 800,000 displaced Sudanese with protection assistance, services and referrals, cash, core relief items and emergency shelter.

On Tuesday, another senior UN official expressed concerns over the escalation of violence in Sudan, saying famine is imminent in the war-torn country.

While briefing the Security Council, Edem Wosornu, Director of Operations and Advocacy, United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs said focus should be made on critical needs for immediate and decisive action.

(ST)