UN urges urgent global support as Sudan refugee crisis deepens
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UNHCR calls for urgent global aid as Sudan faces world's worst displacement crisis.
UN Calls for Global Action as Sudan’s Refugee Crisis Worsens
The United Nations has issued an urgent appeal for increased international support as Sudan experiences what officials now describe as the world’s most severe displacement crisis. Ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has plunged the nation into a humanitarian catastrophe, with millions forced to flee their homes.
Khartoum in Ruins
Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, has borne the brunt of the conflict since fighting broke out in April 2023. Entire neighborhoods have been devastated, and infrastructure is in shambles. During a recent visit to the capital, Mamadou Diane Balde, UNHCR’s Regional Director for East and the Horn of Africa, described the destruction as “overwhelming,” underscoring the massive scale of the humanitarian crisis.
“The level of destruction that I have just witnessed in Khartoum explains to you why we have over 4 million people who have been forced to flee this country and go into neighboring countries,” Balde stated.
Millions Displaced, Thousands Flee to Neighboring Countries
Over 20,000 people have crossed Sudan’s western border into Chad, seeking refuge from the violence. Internally, the displacement figures are staggering, with millions uprooted from their homes and now living in dire conditions. According to the UN, approximately 4 million people have fled the country entirely. While official estimates put the death toll at around 150,000, human rights organizations believe the actual number of fatalities could be far higher.
Many of those who remain in Sudan face a lack of access to food, clean water, medical care, and safety. The UN has stressed that urgent international assistance is necessary to address both the immediate humanitarian needs and the long-term recovery of the country.
Refugees and Host Communities Need Immediate Support
Balde emphasized that the crisis does not end at the border. Refugees living in neighboring countries require continued support, including access to food, shelter, registration, healthcare, and cash assistance. He also highlighted the burden on host communities, which are struggling to accommodate the influx of displaced individuals with already limited resources.
“The refugees need support as long as they remain as refugees in these countries. They need cash. They need registration. They need access, and the host communities that are receiving them need support,” Balde urged.
Rebuilding Sudan and Supporting Return
Beyond providing emergency aid, the UN is calling on the international community to assist Sudan in its long-term recovery efforts. Balde said that global support is essential not just for refugees, but also for rebuilding Sudan and restoring basic services such as healthcare, education, and water systems.
“The Sudanese people need our support to help them rebuild their country and restore services,” he said. “So that the millions who are out there and who are longing for returning are able to return.”
Global Response Still Lagging
Despite repeated warnings and appeals, the international response has been limited. Humanitarian agencies continue to report funding shortfalls, which hinder their ability to provide life-saving assistance. UNHCR and other agencies are urging donor countries, international institutions, and humanitarian organizations to act quickly to prevent further deterioration of the crisis.
Without immediate intervention, the suffering of the Sudanese people—both those displaced and those remaining in war-torn regions—is likely to worsen. The UN has reiterated that time is of the essence in responding to the escalating humanitarian emergency.
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