The deputy spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres on Monday said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) is alarmed by the situation in parts of the Darfur and Kordofan regions in Sudan, where civilians continue to flee ongoing conflict and widespread insecurity
According to Farhan Haq, funding shortfalls and access challenges are putting major pressure on response efforts.
“Some 12,300 people were newly displaced in North Darfur, South Kordofan, and West Kordofan between June 10th and 14th – that’s according to the International Organization for Migration (IOM). This includes an estimated 1,000 people who fled Abu Shouk displacement camp and Al Fasher town in North Darfur due to insecurity and worsening economic conditions,” he revealed. “The displaced people reportedly relocated to other parts of Al Fasher, as well as to Tawila locality, where the UN and partners on the ground have scaled up support for new arrivals in recent months.”
“In South Kordofan, nearly 11,000 people were displaced from 10 villages in Al Qouz locality between June 12th and 14th. This is in addition to the more than 9,000 people previously displaced in the same area on May 29th,” Haq added.
He said most have moved to locations in Sheikan locality in North Kordofan, while others have sought refuge within South and West Kordofan.
“The UN underscores that civilians must be protected, whether they seek to leave the area or choose to remain,” Haq stated. “Once again, OCHA calls for unfettered humanitarian access so that people in need can secure the essentials for their survival.”