Concern grows at the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees agency (UNHCR) over the security of the refugees involved in the conflict in Sudan, particularly due to limited humanitarian access to the area and the increased reports of human rights violations.
In a press release, the UNHCR, expresses its concern for the situation of refugees in the capital of Sudan, Khartoum. Despite the significant decrease in the number of refugees in the city, less than half compared to figures prior to the conflict, approximately 150,000 persons at present, those who are still present in the city, are facing a disastrous situation.
There are security problems and difficulties in accessing food and basic services, said the UN agency.
150,000 refugees left Khartoum autonomously
"The security situation is significantly blocking our capacity to carry out humanitarian activities in Khartoum beyond a minimal protection monitoring over the telephones thanks to the community volunteers, a new Telegram channel, and a direct phone life for refugees active 24/7 when there is a working network," declared Fatima Mohammed Cole, Deputy Representative of UNHCR in Sudan.
"All our previous attempts to reach the capital to help refugees have failed so far and our two offices in Khartoum were plundered", she added.
An estimated 150,000 refugees have left Khartoum autonomously to move in dangerous conditions in the States of the While Nile, Gedaref, Kassala, Jazira, and in Port Sudan, according to reports from the Sudanese Commissioner for Refugees (COR).
UNHCR expresses its profound concern for the news of human rights violations against refugees, such as theft, threats, and physical and sexual violence. Despite the fact that the UN agency could not confirm the news due to the persisting insecurity and the lack of access, the agency has reiterated its appeal for the protection of civilians, including asylum-seekers, with particular reference to those most vulnerable such as women, children, the elderly, refugees with health problems and people with disabilities.
On-going activities and cooperation with partners
Through its direct phone lines, UNHCR continues to offer refugees advice and, when possible, referrals. The information on available services was shared on the Internet and social media.
UNHCR is working in close cooperation with community protection networks and with refugee leaders to contribute and offer protection and assistance in the secure areas of the country. Furthermore, the UN agency continues to be present and to cooperate with partner organizations to offer critical assistance where it is still safe to do so, primarily in the states of Kassala, Gedaref, the White Nile, and the Blue Nile.
The majority of refugees moved to places where they have pre-existing relations. In Port Sudan, where thousands of people fled - among them Sudanese and refugees of various nationalities - the UNHCR worked with partners to identify assembly points and to assess the needs of those who arrived recently. Asylum-seekers and refugees are given documentation and the most vulnerable are given basic necessity goods such as blankets and plastic sheets.