Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan: A Call for Support
Insights from UN Human Rights Discussions
This past week, Volker Türk, the UN human rights chief, held discussions with more than 40 leaders from Sudanese civil society in Dongola, the capital of Northern State. His observations underscore the importance of collaboration between local representatives and the international community. In a video shared on social media platform X, Mr. Türk emphasized the necessity of an “all-out effort” to support these leaders and facilitate their vital work in Sudan.
The Sudanese Conflict and Its Impact
The ongoing conflict in Sudan, which ignited in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has had devastating repercussions. It has resulted in the displacement of approximately 9.3 million people and has triggered one of the most severe hunger crises worldwide. As violence continues, the urgency for a coordinated humanitarian response grows more critical.
During his visit, Mr. Türk met with Sudanese authorities, civil society representatives, humanitarian partners, and individuals forced to flee their homes due to the strife in regions like Darfur and Kordofan. His itinerary includes two press conferences scheduled for January 18, where he will likely address the humanitarian situation more extensively.
Chad’s Warm Reception of Refugees
In a significant show of solidarity, Chad has welcomed over 900,000 Sudanese refugees since the conflict escalated in April 2023, with new arrivals reported daily. Barham Salih, the newly appointed UN High Commissioner for Refugees, visited Chad for the first time in his official capacity. During his visit, he engaged with Sudanese refugee families and local officials, gaining firsthand insight into the challenges faced by those displaced.
Many of the refugees shared harrowing stories of repeated displacements, compounded by years of violence and human rights violations. “What is unfolding in Sudan is a humanitarian calamity of overwhelming scale,” Mr. Salih stated, commending Chad’s generous hospitality as a powerful display of solidarity.
Supporting Host Communities and Refugees
Mr. Salih also acknowledged the crucial role of the local communities in Chad that have opened their doors to refugees, despite facing their own economic challenges and environmental stresses. He highlighted the UN High Commissioner for Refugees’ commitment to partnering with the Chadian government and other stakeholders. The goal is to foster economic opportunities and provide essential services for both refugees and the host populations.
Making a key point, Mr. Salih noted, “Visiting Chad and Kenya this past week, both countries clearly illustrate that with sustained international backing, inclusive policies can transition us from merely addressing displacement emergencies to crafting long-term solutions.”
The Path Forward
Mr. Salih’s visit highlights a profound truth: When refugees are embraced and protected within their host communities, they can rebuild their lives and positively contribute to those societies. Observing the resilience and potential among the refugees in Chad, he emphasized that this is the trajectory the international community must strive to maintain.
The narrative emerging from Sudan and its neighboring countries encapsulates a call to action. Both local and global stakeholders must unite to alleviate the humanitarian crisis, ensuring support for displaced individuals and fostering conditions conducive to rebuilding lives and communities.
