UNHCR Visits Omdurman for the First Time Since the Outbreak of Fighting

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The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has identified the agencies, NGOs, and local Sudanese organizations operating on the ground to whom it will provide support and supplies.

This came at the conclusion of a two-day visit by the international agency to the city of Omdurman, its first since the outbreak of conflict in Sudan last April. The delegation included the Refugee Commissioner in Sudan and the Jasmah Organization for Humanitarian Security.

The UNHCR listed the challenges facing the population in accessing food due to rising prices and concerns about children suffering from malnutrition.

"It is impossible for children to access schools or playgrounds, and they feel saddened by the sounds of clashes. Displaced persons do not have suitable shelters, and many live in overcrowded conditions in assembly sites, most of which are located in schools. While there are still two hospitals in service, there is not enough medication, especially for those with chronic diseases. Pregnant women cannot access prenatal care," it said.

It added that the population expressed serious concerns about their safety and reported an increase in sexual violations, in addition to limited legal support, with many suffering severe trauma. The city hosts more than 12,000 refugees and over 54,000 internally displaced persons.

It reiterated its call for ensuring the safety of civilians and the presence of safe passages for relief agencies to provide support and supplies, cessation of fighting, and more support to enhance its response capacity.