According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), severe and continuous fighting for more than two weeks has worsened Sudan’s already challenging humanitarian situation.
The organisation estimates that approximately 334,053 persons (66,811 families) have already been internally displaced, with West and South Darfur states accounting for 72% of this caseload. There were 3.7 million displaced individuals in Sudan before the conflict. Additionally, more than 115,000 people have entered neighbouring nations.
Millions of people remain imprisoned in the most severely affected areas, unable to escape because of the skyrocketing costs of food and transportation, a shortage of money, and restricted access to key services like healthcare and supplies.
IOM Director General Antonio Vitorino said yesterday, “With Sudan on the verge of a humanitarian disaster, I reaffirm UN requests for an urgent cease of hostilities, so that we can assist those most impacted.”
“We cannot turn a blind eye to this problem,” he continued. It is essential that all of us, including governments, UN organisations, and donors, act jointly to aid the people of Sudan and its neighbours.
“An increase in civilian casualties has characterised the worsening situation, the destruction of communication, water, and health services, a supply scarcity, and unfavourable conditions at overcrowded border crossings as people leave the conflict. It is admirable how the Sudanese people have accommodated those escaping the war into their neighbourhoods and homes.
“IOM applauds neighbouring nations for keeping their borders open to people leaving the Sudan and urges intensified efforts to improve the situation at border crossings to allow movements and humanitarian aid operations.
“IOM is collaborating with partners on a multi-agency coordinated response strategy and appeal to enable the scale-up required to address the growing needs of returnees and nationals of third countries from Sudan. IOM’s crisis response plans for Central Africa, Ethiopia, Sudan, and Chad still need to be funded.
More than 10,000 basic aid packages have been prepositioned around Sudan by the group, establishing six warehouses in five states. Our staff are evaluating ideas for putting up more supplies in and around Port Sudan as well as delivery capabilities.
I want to be clear. We have not given up on Sudan, and we never will. IOM has established a crisis response team in Nairobi and is prepared to deploy into Sudan as soon as feasible. IOM is a member of the core UN mission in Port Sudan.
