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
