UN: 7 million Sudanese internally displaced, 2 million more forced out of country

The United Nations is sounding the alarm on a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with the number of internally displaced people now exceeding 7 million, Xinhua reported yesterday.

According to UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric, more than half of those displaced are children. Additionally, an estimated 2 million Sudanese have fled across borders into neighboring countries.

“For our part, we and our humanitarian partners continue to ramp up efforts to respond to rising hunger and food insecurity across the country,” said Dujarric.

The World Food Programme (WFP) reports that 1,200 metric tons of food aid are en route to provide emergency assistance to 116,000 people in Darfur. These supplies are destined for Central Darfur and 12 locations across South Darfur, including displacement camps in Nyala.

WFP also has ongoing food distributions for 135,000 people in South Kordofan near the border with South Sudan.

However, Dujarric noted that humanitarian access remains a significant challenge, as fighting continues between government forces and the Rapid Support Forces since the outbreak of conflict in April 2023.

The UN is urgently appealing for increased support and unimpeded access to provide life-saving aid to the millions displaced by the crisis in Sudan.