The food insecurity situation in Sudan remains deeply concerning, the UN has said.
Stéphane Dujarric, the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General, said in his briefing on Tuesday that Sudan was is another dire humanitarian situation.
“Our humanitarian colleagues warn that humanitarian needs continue to rise amid continued conflict and displacement across multiple regions of Sudan,” Dujarric said in the briefing circulated online.
He quoted the International Organization for Migration (IOM) saying that more than 36,000 people were displaced from Al Khiwai and An Nuhud in West Kordofan due to heightened insecurity.
Many, he went on, had already been internally displaced and were now having to flee for a second time, seeking shelter in locations across West and North Kordofan.
In North Darfur, Dujarric further quoted IOM, more than 2,000 people were newly displaced from Abu Shouk camp and parts of El Fasher [last] week, also due to the ongoing insecurity situation.
He said that without urgent assistance and unfettered access to the people in need, the situation could worsen during the upcoming lean season, which is from June to September.
He once again called on all parties to immediately cease hostilities and uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians, to protect civilian infrastructure and to ensure the safe, the sustained and unhindered humanitarian access to those who need help.
“We also urge the international community to step up its support for the Sudan humanitarian response to prevent further loss of life and avert a worsening catastrophe,” said Dujarric.
On South Sudan, the UN envoy quoted the peacekeepers saying that air strikes and ground attacks continued in Jonglei and Upper Nile states, including the reports of Monday clashes in New Fangak, which have allegedly led to civilian deaths, as well as injuries.
He said the UNMISS mission had strengthened its protection efforts, within its capacities, including intensifying patrols and deploying peacekeepers to temporary bases in conflict hotspots. He reiterated that the South Sudan parties must cease hostilities, resume inclusive dialogue to address grievances, and make progress on the full implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement.