Global Courant 2023-04-27 00:33:35
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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, is deeply concerned that the ongoing, brutal conflict in Sudan is now forcing tens of thousands of people to leave their homes in search of safety, both within the country and across borders. Sudan’s humanitarian needs were already huge before the wave of violence, including those of the 3.7 million internally displaced people. Their number is increasing rapidly, although statistics are not yet available.
At least 20,000 Sudanese refugees have fled to Chad, a resource-scarce country that has already hosted nearly 600,000 refugees. The new arrivals come from Darfur, one of the regions of Sudan most affected by violence and where growing instability could lead to much greater displacement in the coming weeks.
Others have crossed over to Egypt. UNHCR is discussing with the Egyptian government how to ensure that people in need of international protection are adequately received and processed.
And at least 4,000 South Sudanese refugees – of the 1.1 million refugees from neighboring countries currently being hosted by Sudan – have been forced to return home prematurely in deep uncertainty. They will probably be followed by others.
The High Commissioner calls on all countries neighboring Sudan to keep their borders open to people seeking safety and protection. UNHCR is stepping up its support for their governments as they prepare for increased numbers of arrivals.
The High Commissioner wants to reiterate the UN Secretary-General’s repeated calls for an immediate cessation of hostilities and for all parties to embark on meaningful peace efforts. This is urgently needed, also to avoid another major displacement crisis that could further destabilize a fragile region.
Meanwhile, UNHCR, along with the rest of the UN, remains in Sudan to support its people. It continues to operate where it has safe access and is also leveraging some of the community networks established during the pandemic. UNHCR plans to scale up operations across Sudan as soon as possible.
Last but not least, the High Commissioner calls on the international community to urgently provide sufficient resources to support UNHCR’s efforts. The reception of refugees in countries in the region has long been extremely underfunded. We urgently need to address the needs of both refugees and host countries and communities, especially as more and more people seek safety. Outright catastrophe can be avoided, but the clock is ticking fast.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
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