The UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan. He called for greater international focus, emphasizing that the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces has led to significant displacement. The crisis affects neighboring countries and necessitates urgent aid and media attention to address critical needs.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, has raised alarms regarding the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan. He urged the global community for enhanced media attention and support to tackle this crisis, labeling it as one of the planet’s most significant humanitarian emergencies that remains largely ignored.
At the Munich Security Conference, Grandi pointed out that the ongoing conflict between Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, which began in April 2023, has resulted in staggering humanitarian repercussions yet has not garnered adequate news coverage. He stated, “I have been in so many meetings on Sudan, and every time, and rightly so, I hear this is the biggest humanitarian catastrophe on earth. And yet we hear very little about Sudan. We need to reflect on that.”
Grandi attributed the crisis’s lack of international visibility to constraints on media access, suggesting that without improved reporting, mobilizing necessary resources will be challenging. He emphasized the importance of moving towards a peaceful resolution and advocated for a ceasefire coinciding with the upcoming Ramadan period, cautioning that millions of Sudanese refugees will remain displaced without an end to hostilities.
The crisis is affecting neighboring countries such as Chad and South Sudan, which are experiencing significant pressures due to the surge of refugees fleeing Sudan. To date, approximately 3.5 million people have left Sudan, in addition to the millions dislocated within its borders, creating a dire situation that extends beyond Sudan’s limits.
Grandi warned that inadequate humanitarian responses may lead to further migration waves towards North Africa and Europe, stating, “If the humanitarian response continues to be very poor inside Sudan and outside, in terms of financial support, please, nobody should be surprised if we start seeing the secondary movement of people going to North Africa… and even trying to get to Europe.”
Additionally, Grandi discussed the implications of the freeze on USAID funds by the new US administration, which poses challenges for humanitarian efforts. He mentioned that negotiations for waivers are underway to ensure critical aid can still reach those in need in Sudan.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is one of the worst in recent history, demanding urgent global attention and adequate aid. The ongoing conflict has displaced millions both internally and externally, stressing neighboring countries and raising concerns about secondary migrations. The call for a ceasefire during Ramadan and increased media coverage are critical to mobilizing much-needed resources and returning stability to the region.
Original Source: newscentral.africa
