Urgent funding needed to back Sudan, neighboring countries: IOM

By Beyza Binnur Donmez

GENEVA (AA) - As 2.5 million people have been displaced inside and outside of Sudan, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) on Monday called for urgent funding to provide life-saving humanitarian assistance to Sudan and neighboring countries.

Half of the Sudanese population – some 25 million people – are in need of humanitarian aid and protection, the UN agency said in a statement.

The IOM remarks came ahead of a High-level Pledging Event to Support the Humanitarian Response in Sudan and the Region set to be held in Geneva later today.

According to the latest IOM figures, more than 1.9 million people have been displaced internally in Sunday, while 550,000 others have crossed into neighboring countries.

"The ongoing hostilities and rise of violence against the civilian population in the country have exacerbated the humanitarian and displacement crisis," it said, adding that over the weekend, at least 15,000 people were forced to flee to Chad due to fighting in El Geneina and other locations in West Darfur.

There were several hundred wounded, including families and children separated from their caregivers, the IOM said, noting that most of them arrived on foot, horseback, or in pickup vehicles and were typically in poor physical condition and had no possessions.

"IOM and partners have scaled up their presence and responses in Sudan and at key border points and areas in neighboring countries hosting people who have fled Sudan; however, increasing needs are rapidly outpacing the resources available," it warned.

Othman Belbeisi, the IOM’s Middle East and North Africa regional director, said: "We appeal to the international community to urgently support relief efforts and mobilize financial resources to meet the mounting needs inside and outside Sudan. IOM calls on all parties to ensure safe access for humanitarian aid workers to reach those most in need."

Sudan has been ravaged by fighting between the army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 15. Nearly 1,000 civilians have been killed and thousands injured in the violence, according to local medics.​​​​​​​