Khartoum: The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has reported that thousands of civilians have been forced to flee hostilities in Sudan's North Darfur State as the situation there remains concerning. The ongoing fighting continues to displace families, as highlighted in a press release issued by OCHA.
According to Kuwait News Agency, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) has documented the displacement of more than 3,200 individuals from Abu Shouk camp and parts of El Fasher town in North Darfur State between June 26 and July 6. These individuals have sought refuge in areas such as As Serief, Tawila, and At Tina. Recent shelling in the market area inside Abu Shouk camp resulted in the death of three civilians and injuries to many others. This camp experienced famine late last year. The incident underscores the severe impact of the conflict on civilians and raises further concerns about their safety.
OCHA has reminded all parties involved of their obligations under international humanitarian law, emphasizing that attacks against civilians or civilian objects must be avoided. The agency stressed the importance of protecting food and other critical supplies necessary for the survival of civilians.
In the Kordofan region, the humanitarian situation is also worsening as violence leads to further displacement. IOM reports that nearly 800 people were displaced from Bara locality in North Kordofan State on July 5, seeking shelter in White Nile State.
Humanitarian partners are striving to maintain essential services despite these challenges. In North Darfur, they are providing basic healthcare to over 1.7 million people through remaining health facilities and mobile clinics, although medical supplies are critically low.
Efforts to deliver aid to the Darfur region are ongoing. A humanitarian convoy, led by Deputy Humanitarian Coordinator Antoine Gerard, crossed into Darfur from Chad on July 6, transporting 180 metric tons of relief items intended for nearly 400,000 conflict-affected and displaced individuals in East and South Darfur states.
Complications arise as flash flooding threatens access to affected populations. In Kassala State's Northern Delta locality, heavy rains have caused flash floods, coinciding with authorities' efforts to manage rising floodwaters by releasing water from major dams. OCHA is monitoring these developments closely.
The organization calls for safe and unrestricted humanitarian access and urges the international community to increase support for Sudan's most vulnerable people. This year's response plan for the country requires USD 4.2 billion but has received less than a quarter of the necessary funding, with only USD 917 million secured thus far.