Over 8.5 million Sudanese have been forced to flee their homes in Sudan since the war between rival militaries erupted last April, the UN refugee agency, UNHCR, said on Tuesday.
At least 1.8 million among them fled across the border into neighbouring, South Sudan, Chad, Central African Republic, Egypt and Ethiopia; as well as Uganda.
Thousands more are arriving by the day, agency spokesperson Olga Sarrado told journalists at the regular news briefing in Geneva.
The war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and its affiliated militias “has shattered people’s lives, filling them with fear and loss,” Ms. Sarrado said.
Urban middle class decimated
Over 13,000 people are reported to have been killed, thousands more injured, and attacks on civilians, and conflict-related sexual and gender-based violence continue unabated.
“Sudan has experienced the almost complete destruction of its urban middle class: architects, doctors, teachers, nurses, engineers, and students have lost everything,” Ms. Sarrado said.
“Access constraints, security risks and logistical challenges are hampering the humanitarian response. Without incomes, and amid disrupted aid deliveries and harvests, people cannot get food, prompting warnings of worsening hunger and malnutrition in parts of the country,” she added.
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Refugee hosting countries
South Sudan has received the most refugees from Sudan, about 640,000 people, and on average 1,800 are still arriving every day, increasing pressure on overstretched infrastructure and exacerbating the vast humanitarian needs.
In Chad, the number exceeds 560,000 and while UNHCR and aid partners have managed to relocate most refugees to new and expanded settlements, over 150,000 remain in border areas in overcrowded and unsanitary conditions, largely due to funding shortfalls.
Ethiopia, which already hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, also reported continued new refugee arrivals, recently surpassing 50,000.
‘Desperate needs’
The situation for women and children is particularly alarming.
“Those crossing borders, mostly women and children, are arriving in remote areas with little to nothing and in desperate need of food, water, shelter and medical care. Many families have been separated and arrive in distress,” Ms. Sarrado said.
“Parents and children have witnessed or experienced appalling violence, making psychosocial support a priority,” she said.
‘Critically low’ funding
The UNHCR spokesperson further warned that despite the magnitude of the crisis, “funding remains critically low”.
Only 7 per cent of the funds needed for the 2024 Regional Refugee Response Plan for Sudan have been fulfilled, while the response effort inside Sudan is just 6 per cent funded.
“Firm commitments from the international community to support Sudan and the countries hosting refugees are needed to ensure those forced to flee by the war can live in dignity,” Ms. Sarrado urged.
Nora Chambers, an acclaimed journalist with a focus on global affairs and humanitarian issues, has dedicated over twenty years to reporting from conflict zones worldwide. Her work has spotlighted marginalized communities and highlighted urgent international concerns.
In my opinion, the situation in Sudan is heartbreaking. It is devastating to see how the war has forced millions to flee their homes, leaving behind everything they have. The international community must come together to provide urgent assistance to those in need.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact the war in Sudan has had on its people. The forced exodus of millions has left them with fear and loss, and the destruction of the urban middle class is alarming. Urgent humanitarian aid and support are crucial to help alleviate the suffering of those affected.
This heartbreaking situation in Sudan is truly devastating. The displacement of millions of people is a grave humanitarian crisis that demands urgent attention and support from the international community. My heart goes out to all those affected by this conflict.
It’s heart-wrenching to hear about the struggles of the Sudanese people. The situation described in the article is truly devastating. I hope that the international community steps up to provide the necessary support and aid to help these displaced individuals rebuild their lives.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of the war in Sudan on its people. The exodus of millions reveals the urgent need for international support and aid to alleviate their suffering and provide them with a safe haven.
It breaks my heart to read about the ongoing crisis in Sudan. The situation is devastating, and the impact on the urban middle class is particularly concerning. We must do more to support the victims and address the root causes of this conflict.
It’s utterly devastating to see the displacement and suffering endured by the Sudanese people. The escalating conflict has torn apart families and communities, leaving them in a constant state of fear and despair. The international community must step up and provide the necessary support to alleviate their hardships and assist in rebuilding their shattered lives.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of the war in Sudan, forcing millions to flee their homes and leaving behind their livelihoods. The international community must step up to provide urgent aid and support to those affected by this crisis.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastation caused by the war in Sudan. The exodus of millions of people fleeing their homes reflects the widespread fear and suffering endured by the Sudanese population. The situation demands urgent international attention and support to address the humanitarian crisis.
It’s heartbreaking to see the suffering of the Sudanese people due to the ongoing conflict. The exodus has left families torn apart and communities in ruins. The international community must step up to provide support and aid to those in need.
It’s heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of the war in Sudan, forcing millions of people to flee their homes. The international community must come together to provide support and aid to those in need.
It’s truly heartbreaking to see the devastating impact of the war in Sudan, forcing millions to flee their homes. The international community must step up and provide the necessary support and aid to alleviate the suffering of those affected by this crisis.
It’s heartbreaking to see the dire situation in Sudan. The exodus of millions reflects the devastating impact of the ongoing war. The international community must step up to provide support and aid to those fleeing their homes.