The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has appealed for safe access to the movement of humanitarian aid in Sudan as it seeks to scale up its response to the ongoing crisis in the country.
Development Diaries reports that over one million people have been displaced by the fighting which started on 15 April.
According to the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), over 250,000 people have crossed borders into neighbouring countries.
Egypt remains the largest host of Sudanese refugees with UNHCR partners estimating more than 5,000 arrivals per day with almost 110,000 refugees now hosted in the country.
In South Sudan, arrival rates remain high with about 1,500 arrivals per day. However, Of the 63,000 who arrived, many were South Sudanese refugees in Sudan.
Many of the refugees who cross the borders arrive in their host nations stressed, after being exposed to violence or traumatic conditions.
Furthermore, many have lost or have been separated from family, with others needing urgent medical treatment.
Child protection arrangements have been activated for unaccompanied or separated children – including ‘best interest’ procedures and family tracing.
Despite the aid response from the UNHCR, increased assistance is needed to provide support to internally displaced persons, refugees, and host communities.
Development Diaries joins the UN agency in urging all warring parties to end hostilities and give peace a chance.
We also call for the protection of civilians and the free movement of humanitarian workers and aid materials in the country.
Photo source: UNHCR
