Sudan is now facing the world's most severe displacement crisis, with nearly 13 million people displaced by a protracted conflict in the country, including close to 4 million fleeing to neighboring countries since the conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) said in a statement on Monday.
Inside Sudan, internally displaced persons (IDPs), numbering over 8 million, are struggling to access clean drinking water, while refugee camps in countries like South Sudan, Chad, and Uganda are severely overcrowded, leaving women and children especially vulnerable, UNHCR spokesperson Olga Sarrado said recently.
Port Sudan, located along the eastern coast, has remained relatively stable due to being untouched by direct combat, making it one of the main gathering points for Sudanese refugees. Local authorities have set up dozens of refugee camps, providing shelter to over 200,000 people fleeing the conflict zones.
However, the facilities in most of these camps are rudimentary, with people living in temporary tents. Some families lack bedding and are forced to sleep on thin mats on the ground. These camps rely almost entirely on volunteers and humanitarian organizations for support.
With critical supplies like food and medicine in short supply, and frequent interruptions to water and power, the living conditions for many displaced people are extremely difficult.
As the number of refugees continues to rise, many of the refugee camps in Port Sudan are overcrowded. Many displaced individuals have no place to stay and are forced to sleep on the streets, in parks, or in open spaces, using makeshift beds as temporary shelter.
"We don't wish for the war to continue. We hope it ends as soon as possible, so that people can have some stability and can continue their life, work and studying. Just the normal life," said Sarah, a displaced person.
The conflict in Sudan has lasted for two years. At its peak, 15 of Sudan's 18 states were engulfed in violence, and many displaced people's hometowns have been reduced to rubble.
Leaving their homes has been an inevitable choice for many Sudanese caught in the conflict.
Still, their greatest hope remains the same: to return to their homes and rebuild them.
"I hope the conflict ends quickly, and everything returns to how it was, and even better than before, and that we could go back to school like everyone else. Peace is crucial," said Isha, another displaced person.
Nearly 13 mln people displaced as Sudan conflict enters 3rd year: UNHCR
Sudan conflict displaces 13 mln people: UNHCR
Palestine appreciates China's constructive role in promoting the political settlement of the Palestinian issue, Ambassador of Palestine to China Jawad Mohammed Qutish Awad said in Beijing on Friday.
When jointly meeting the press with visiting French President Emmanuel Macron in Beijing on Thursday, President Xi Jinping announced China will provide 100 million U.S. dollars of assistance to Palestine to help alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and support its recovery and reconstruction.
"Following two years of devastating war, over 90 percent of Gaza Strip's housing, infrastructure, hospitals, roads, and universities have been destroyed. China has consistently supported Palestine in various fields such as politics, economy, and development. This generous donation comes as timely aid for the Palestinian government and people," said the ambassador in an interview with China Central Television (CCTV).
More than 70,000 Palestinian people have been killed since the conflict in Gaza erupted on Oct 7, 2023, with millions suffering from extreme poverty and catastrophic hunger.
China has reiterated its support for the Palestinian liberation cause on multiple international occasions, firmly believing that the two-state solution remains the only realistic path to resolving the Palestinian-Israeli issue.
Through channels including the United Nations, Egypt, and Jordan, China has provided multiple batches of emergency humanitarian supplies to the Gaza Strip and extended material and financial support to the Palestinian Authority and other relevant parties. China has also emphasized that it is important to uphold the principle of "the Palestinians governing Palestine" in the post-conflict governance of Gaza.
"We attach great importance to China's support for the two-state solution. Without the establishment of the State of Palestine, regional stability cannot be achieved. Gaza must be an inalienable part of the future Palestinian state. I would also like to reiterate here that the State of Palestine firmly supports the one-China principle," Jawad said.
China, one of the first countries to recognize the State of Palestine, established the strategic partnership with Palestine in 2023.
After countries including the United Kingdom, France, and Canada recognized the State of Palestine in September this year, the number of countries in the international community recognizing the State of Palestine has reached nearly 160, accounting for over 81 percent of the United Nations member states.
An increasing number of countries are looking to advance a comprehensive and lasting ceasefire in Gaza through cooperation.
Jawad said that the China-proposed Global Governance Initiative offers the international community a more effective path to resolving the Palestinian issue.
"This initiative aligns with the strategic agreements between Palestine and China, contributing to ending Israel's occupation of Palestinian territory and establishing the State of Palestine across all Palestinian territory. Without a just resolution to the Palestinian issue, neither the world nor the Middle East can achieve stability. The key to a just resolution lies in the implementation of international law," he said.
Palestine appreciates China's role in promoting Israeli-Palestinian peace process: ambassador
