The UN refugee chief raised concerns on Friday regarding the potential migration of Sudanese refugees to Europe if adequate humanitarian aid fails to reach the war-stricken nation.
Conflict erupted in Sudan on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese army and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), resulting in severe damage to infrastructure, famine warnings, and the displacement of millions, both internally and externally.
Filippo Grandi, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), highlighted the risk of desperate Sudanese fleeing to Europe through North Africa, emphasizing the need for increased support to internally displaced persons and those seeking refuge in neighboring countries.
He cautioned that criminal exploitation of refugee distress could lead to further displacement and migration.
While thousands have already sought shelter in neighboring nations, such as Tunisia and Libya, Grandi stressed the importance of humanitarian aid as a stabilizing factor.
He acknowledged that aid alone may not prevent migration but emphasized its role in reducing incentives for human trafficking and smuggling.
Recent data from the UNHCR revealed a significant increase in Sudanese refugee arrivals in Europe, particularly in Italy, with 6,000 individuals reaching the country from Tunisia and Libya since the beginning of 2023.
Despite the surge, Sudanese refugees still represent a small fraction of overall arrivals.
In a related development, the World Health Organization (WHO) warned of a worsening crisis in Sudan without cessation of hostilities and unimpeded access to humanitarian aid delivery.
WHO spokesperson Christian Lindmeier highlighted the dire health situation, with 15 million people requiring urgent medical assistance and diseases like cholera, malaria, and dengue spreading due to disrupted healthcare services and insufficient medical supplies.
Lindmeier emphasized the urgent need for international support to address Sudan’s healthcare crisis, where 70 to 80% of health facilities are non-functional due to conflict.
The remarks underscored the imperative of immediate action to mitigate the escalating humanitarian and health challenges facing Sudan.
