Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami

(Port Sudan): I am outraged by reports that six displaced people were killed and about 2,300 left homeless after their shelters were burnt during clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces near Hasahisa camp, Central Darfur, on 26 September.

 

Further reports indicate that pumps supplying water to the camp were damaged, cutting the supply to displaced people. The fighters reportedly occupied a school near the camp from where they shelled their opponents, putting displaced people at risk of being caught in the crossfire.

According to community leaders, the camp hosts about 50,000 people who have resided there since 2005.

 

Since April, about 5.5 million people have fled their homes due to the conflict in search of safety and refuge; 4.3 million have been displaced within Sudan and 1.2 million to neighbouring countries. This high number of displaced people in a short time has made Sudan one of the world’s fastest-growing displacement crises.

 

Many of those displaced are in dire need of life-saving assistance and protection. Community leaders in Hasahisa camp report an urgent need for shelter, food, protection, and health assistance. Like in many areas of Sudan, the violence limits humanitarian access and deters efforts to deliver assistance.

 

The suffering in Sudan has gone on for too long. Attacks on civilians and camps for displaced people are unacceptable. I urge all parties to the conflict to abide by their obligations to safeguard civilians and civilian infrastructure and to respect international humanitarian and human rights laws. 

-----

For further information, please contact:

Erich Opolot Ogoso, ogoso@un.org, +254 720 766587