UN migration agency urges urgent global response as Sudan war enters third year

As Sudan’s brutal conflict enters its third year, the UN’s migration agency has called for coordinated international action to prevent regional destabilization and address one of the world's worst humanitarian crises.

Since the conflict erupted in April 2023, over 11.3 million people have been displaced within Sudan, including 8.6 million who have fled their homes in the past two years. An additional 3.9 million have crossed into neighboring countries, placing immense pressure on fragile host nations such as Chad, South Sudan, and Ethiopia.

“The war has pushed Sudan to the brink,” IOM Director General Amy Pope said in a statement. “Thousands of lives have been lost to violence, families torn apart, and the hopes and aspirations of millions shattered in the face of starvation, disease, and the complete collapse of the economy.”

Pope emphasized that even as violence persists, many displaced families are attempting to return home, only to find complete destruction. She called for immediate humanitarian assistance as well as long-term investments to enable safe returns and community recovery.

According to IOM, more than 30 million people — nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s population — are in urgent need of aid. The agency warned of worsening conditions, particularly in the Darfur region, where the onset of rains could obstruct humanitarian access and further complicate relief operations.

To date, IOM has provided shelter, clean water, sanitation, and health services to nearly four million people. However, the agency’s 2025 response plan is currently just 10% funded.

Without swift financial support, IOM warned, critical operations including displacement tracking and lifesaving aid could be halted, potentially fueling broader instability across the region.

“The people of Sudan cannot afford to be kept waiting,” Pope said. “The international community must deliver a clear and united message: the people of Sudan are not forgotten.”

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