The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has issued a desperate plea for the protection of civilians and the unhindered movement of humanitarian assistance in Sudan, as the conflict in the country has resulted in over 1 million people being displaced within Sudan and to neighboring nations. The agency is intensifying its response efforts to address this dire situation.

Amidst the ongoing fighting, individuals in Sudan are braving perilous conditions, particularly in Khartoum, Darfur, and other unsafe areas, and are seeking safety by fleeing. The Sudanese Commission for Refugees (COR) has reported that approximately 88,000 refugees who were previously hosted by Sudan have escaped Khartoum and sought refuge in White Nile, Gedaref, Kassala Madani, and Port Sudan. In these locations, UNHCR is providing essential aid, including shelters, household items, clean water and sanitation facilities, healthcare, and educational support to both refugees and internally displaced people.

White Nile has received over 75,000 South Sudanese refugees who fled from Khartoum. UNHCR is meticulously verifying the identities of new arrivals, assisting in their settlement in camps, and providing vital relief items. The agency is also coordinating with the World Food Programme to distribute food to those in need. Additionally, Eritrean, Ethiopian, and other refugees who have arrived in Eastern Sudan are being registered and transferred to camps for their safety.

According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the total number of internally displaced people in Sudan has reached 843,000, with nearly 250,000 individuals recorded as crossing the borders with neighboring countries. Egypt, hosting the largest number of refugees, has witnessed a rapid surge in arrivals, estimated at over 5,000 people per day. The government reports that approximately 110,000 Sudanese refugees have entered Egypt.

Qustul and Argeen are the main entry points along Egypt's southern border, and the Egyptian Red Crescent (ERC), a partner of UNHCR, estimates that 90 percent of arrivals move north to Cairo and other urban areas. UNHCR is working tirelessly to scale up its assistance and response in Aswan, a transit point for many refugees.

At the border, UNHCR continues to provide emergency aid through the ERC, while new arrivals seek assistance at UNHCR offices. In Cairo, they receive support with registration and pre-registration protection services. Once registered, refugees can access education and healthcare services, and they are provided with counseling, psycho-social support, and necessary referrals.

Many of those seeking assistance from UNHCR arrive in distressed conditions, having experienced violence or trauma in Sudan and endured arduous journeys. Some have lost or been separated from their families, while others require urgent medical treatment. To address the needs of unaccompanied or separated children, child protection arrangements, including "best interest" procedures and family tracing, have been activated.

Efforts are underway to support community-based responses, including those led by refugee organizations. However, Egypt and other host countries require significant additional assistance to continue accommodating and aiding those fleeing the conflict in Sudan.

In South Sudan, the rate of arrivals remains high, with approximately 1,500 people crossing the border daily. Of the 63,000 individuals who have arrived, many were South Sudanese refugees who had been residing in Sudan. The majority enter through the Renk crossing in Upper Nile State. The transit facility near the border is becoming severely overcrowded, stretching resources and increasing protection risks. Nevertheless, the government and UN partners are making urgent efforts to transport people to their home areas through road or riverboat transportation.

In Chad, UNHCR has provided relief items to nearly 10,000 families and has intensified monitoring to address pressing protection needs and risks. Most new arrivals are in remote transit sites near the border, where resources are extremely limited. In collaboration with the government and partners, UNHCR has initiated the relocation of new arrivals to existing camps.

To tackle the mounting urgency, the agency plans to move 20,000 newly arrived Sudanese refugees to camps, where they will receive family shelters, as well as access to education and healthcare. The imminent onset of the rainy season further emphasizes the need for swift action and assistance.

As the situation continues to escalate, UNHCR remains committed to its efforts to alleviate the suffering of those affected by the conflict in Sudan. The agency urges the international community to provide support and solidarity to ensure the safety and well-being of the displaced populations.