UN agency makes urgent appeal for Sudanese civilians

The head of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Wednesday appealed for the international community to provide an urgent boost in funding and commitment to address the Sudanese escalating humanitarian crisis, now entering its tenth month.

A staggering six million people have been displaced within Sudan since the war between rival militaries – the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RAF) – erupted on 15 April 2023.

A further 1.7 million civilians have reportedly sought refuge across borders in South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Egypt, the Central African Republic, and Libya.

Their plight demands urgent global attention and an immediate ceasefire, IOM Director General Amy Pope said, having witnessed the devastating impact for herself during a recent visit to eastern Chad.

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“A ceasefire in Sudan is urgently needed to enable people to rebuild their lives with dignity. We must not turn our back on the suffering of millions of people affected by such devastating conflict,” she appealed.

“Now, more than ever, we need all possible support to continue providing lifesaving humanitarian assistance and move towards recovery and long-term solutions.”

IOM has launched an appeal for $307 million in 2024 to support 1.2 million Sudanese people affected by the conflict, including internally displaced individuals, refugees, returnees, and third-country nationals.

The human rights expert appointed by the UN High Commissioner to monitor Sudan, echoed the call on Wednesday for an immediate end to the violence and transition to civilian rule.

Radhouane Nouicer, appointed just over a year ago, demanded justice for the multiple abuses allegedly recorded so far. He also expressed alarm at the rise in ethnically motivated violence and hate speech, particularly in the Darfur region.

“Sudan – a most fertile land – is running out of food, and millions are facing acute hunger, but despite the enormous need, delivering aid remains extremely challenging due to ongoing hostilities, persistent insecurity, attacks on humanitarian workers and bureaucratic hurdles,” Mr. Nouicer said.