Sudan is experiencing one of the most pressing humanitarian crises today as more than 80,000 people have recently crossed the border to South Sudan, seeking safety from the continuous conflict. This surge marks more than three times the daily average of arrivals when compared to previous weeks, primarily comprised of vulnerable women and children.
The conflict in Sudan has intensified, with no signs of slowing after more than 20 months of warfare. The UNHCR warns of significant strain on local services as the increasing numbers of refugees arrive predominantly through challenging border crossings, settling mostly in small villages. The Joda crossing has become particularly active as families flee from violence.
Those escaping the recent outbreak of violence are not solely Sudanese; they include South Sudanese refugees who had previously found relative safety but are now also pushed out of their temporary sanctuaries. Many find themselves living in makeshift shelters or even under trees, as local resources remain woefully insufficient.
The humanitarian situation is dire. Initial assessments at the Joda crossing indicate alarming malnutrition rates, exceeding emergency thresholds, particularly affecting children under five and pregnant or nursing women. Supplies have dwindled, causing severe food shortages, and the lack of adequate medical facilities creates additional hardships. "The situation is dire, with nutrition rates exceeding emergency thresholds and supplies critically low," stated the UNHCR.
sanitation facilities are also grossly inadequate. Water shortages, along with insufficient toilet facilities, heighten the risk of diseases like cholera. The local health centers are overwhelmed, unable to handle the influx of injured refugees seeking care after often perilous journeys, some lasting up to two weeks. "Local health facilities are overwhelmed with the influx of hundreds of injured individuals," reported UNHCR.
Among the refugees, there are heartbreaking stories of endurance. Many have walked for days, facing starvation, dehydration, and exhaustion. Sadly, some did not survive the treacherous trip. One refugee shared, "We had to walk for two weeks to find safety, and many of our friends did not make it. We are thankful to be alive, but we have lost so much." These narratives reveal the human cost of the conflict.
Despite the overwhelming challenges, the UNHCR and their partners are proactively working to address the urgent needs of these newcomers. They aim to provide lifesaving assistance, including potable water and basic healthcare. "Despite the limited services, many people hesitate to move on, hoping for the security situation to improve, enabling them to return home swiftly," explained the UNHCR.
To accommodate the recent influx, humanitarian partners are scaling up operations by increasing shelter capabilities, enhancing medical capacities, and mobilizing resources for immediate assistance. They are also working on establishing planning for new reception centers to facilitate refugee registration and transition to safer areas.
Unfortunately, financial support remains critically insufficient; UNHCR and its partners have only received 24% of the necessary funding needed for the year. The lack of adequate funding poses significant risks to maintaining humanitarian efforts. The UN estimates they need $468 million by 2025 to cater to both refugees and the communities hosting them.
With approximately one million individuals having fled to South Sudan since the conflict escalated, the call for immediate attention and action is more urgent than ever. The humanitarian crisis knows no boundary, and the need for support is imperative to mitigate the growing suffering of those caught up in this turmoil.
