GENEVA: The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in the displacement of more than 430,000 people, according to the United Nations.
Of these, over 330,000 have been internally displaced within the country, while more than 100,000 have fled across the borders. The UN’s refugee agency, UNHCR, has warned that over 800,000 people could potentially flee to neighboring countries if the conflict continues between the army and a paramilitary group.
The International Organization for Migration (IOM) estimates that 334,000 people have been internally displaced since the fighting broke out on April 15.
Around 240,000 of these displacements have occurred in West and South Darfur. The number of displaced people in the last two weeks exceeds all conflict-related displacement in Sudan in 2022, according to the IOM.
UNHCR spokeswoman Olga Sarrado said that “around 100,000 refugees are to be among those who fled Sudan to neighboring countries, including Sudanese refugees, South Sudanese returning home prematurely, and others who were themselves refugees in Sudan.”
The situation has resulted in a dire humanitarian crisis, with many people lacking access to basic needs such as shelter, food, and medical care.
UN aid appeal for Sudan
Furthermore, the UN has announced that its 2023 aid appeals for Sudan are $1.5 billion short and only 14% funded. The UN’s humanitarian agency spokesman, Jens Laerke, said, “The $1.75 billion joint appeal for Sudan in 2023 is only 14% funded. In other words… (it is) facing a funding gap of $1.5 billion.”
The lack of funding has resulted in a severe shortage of aid and resources for the displaced people in Sudan, leaving them vulnerable to further suffering and displacement.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has been a cause for concern for many international organizations and governments, with calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and the provision of humanitarian assistance to those affected by the crisis.
The UN has urged the international community to provide urgent support to address the situation and prevent further displacement of people in Sudan.
