As fighting continues in Sudan, an estimated 82,000 children have fled to neighbouring countries and approximately 368,000 more are newly displaced inside the country, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has reported.
Development Diaries reports that more than 164,000 people have sought refuge across borders since 15 April, including in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya and South Sudan, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
Also, the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) has estimated that some 736,000 people are newly internally displaced within Sudan since the start of the conflict.
It is understood that almost 3.8 million people were internally displaced within Sudan prior to the outbreak of violence.
‘The brutal conflict in Sudan has exacted a devastating toll on the country’s children. Thousands have experienced deeply traumatic events or been driven from their homes in search of relative safety’, UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, said.
‘Their situation remains precarious, and continued support and assistance from the international community and humanitarian partners are critical’.
Many communities receiving displaced populations are already affected by multiple crises, with basic services and existing humanitarian capacity already overstretched.
The rainy season is expected to heighten access challenges and increase the risks of disease.
The conflict is also disrupting cross-border trade and movement, leading to a sharp increase in food prices in neighbouring countries, with a higher risk of food insecurity in vulnerable host communities.
The UN agency said with more funding support, more children will be reached to help secure their survival, development, and protection.
Development Diaries calls on the African Union’s Peace and Security Council to intensify efforts in carrying out its mandate of undertaking peace-making and peacebuilding functions in Sudan.
Source: UNICEF
Photo source: UNICEF