Geneva: The International Organization for Migration (IOM) reported on Friday that nearly one-third of Sudan's population has been displaced, either internally or across borders, over the past 1,000 days since the outbreak of conflict, marking the crisis as the largest displacement emergency globally. According to Kuwait News Agency, the IOM's statement from Geneva highlighted that 15 million individuals have been forced into displacement since the conflict began, including 11.58 million internally displaced persons and approximately four million refugees who have fled to neighboring countries. The widespread destruction resulting from the conflict has significantly impacted the region. Director General of IOM, Amy Pope, emphasized the severe impact of the conflict on Sudan's population and called for sustained international efforts to protect civilians, support displaced families, and create conditions for peace to enable safe return and recovery. The IOM's data indicates that since April 2023, Sudan has experienced 743 incidents leading to displacement, with 524 incidents linked to the conflict and 219 due to natural hazards such as floods and fires. The scale of displacement recorded in a single year surpasses the total Sudan experienced over the previous two decades combined. At the height of the crisis, Sudan accounted for about 15 percent of all internally displaced persons worldwide, meaning one in every seven IDPs globally was Sudanese. Recent security developments have further intensified the crisis, with escalating violence in Al Fasher, North Darfur, displacing over 100,000 people in late October 2025, while clashes in Kordofan forced approximately 65,000 others to flee in recent months. The IOM noted that these developments have led to increased cross-border displacement, particularly into Chad and South Sudan. It also reported that nearly three million people have returned to their areas of origin, including more than one million to Khartoum. However, return conditions remain fragile due to dam aged infrastructure, limited services, and ongoing insecurity. Despite a limited decline in internal displacement figures recorded for the first time in February 2025, more than 9.3 million people remain displaced inside Sudan. The IOM highlighted that children are particularly affected, making up about 55 percent of all internally displaced people and facing severe risks such as disrupted education and protection challenges. As Sudan enters its fourth year of conflict, the IOM stressed the urgent need for sustained humanitarian access, increased funding, and a renewed focus on civilian protection. It warned that without meaningful progress toward peace, millions of Sudanese will remain trapped in cycles of displacement and instability.
