UK for UNHCR launches urgent Sudan Emergency appeal 

28.04.2023

Following the recent escalation of hostilities in Sudan, UK for UNHCR has launched an urgent appeal for funds so that UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, can continue delivering essential support to people displaced by this fighting and violence.  

UNHCR staff have reported thousands of people crossing the border into Chad, seeking safety, and South Sudanese refugees who were previously taking refuge in Sudan returning to South Sudan, mostly on foot. Most of the refugees arriving in Chad are women and children, and many are sheltering under trees and lack clean water and food.  

UNHCR is putting contingency plans in place and scaling up its work in the region, helping those who are seeking safety in neighbouring countries. As part of this work, UNHCR is preparing supplies of basic essentials such as sleeping mats, soap and cooking utensils.  

UNHCR is also working closely with partners and governments in the region to continue assessing the needs of refugees and coordinate a joint response as the situation evolves.  

In a recent statement, the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, emphasised the need for peace, saying: “The High Commissioner wishes to echo the repeated calls made by the UN Secretary-General for hostilities to cease immediately, and for all parties to embark on meaningful peace efforts. This is urgently needed also to prevent another major displacement crisis that could further destabilize a fragile region.” 

The escalation in violence since April 15th has led to hundreds of deaths and thousands of injuries, and hindered the humanitarian response to those in need across the country. UNHCR teams require urgent support to assist civilians fleeing conflict, including refugees and internally displaced people within Sudan.  

Emma Cherniavsky, Chief Executive of UK for UNHCR, said: “There is so much uncertainty in this situation, but one thing we can be sure of is that the humanitarian impact will be severe. UNHCR teams are working day and night to support those displaced by the fighting wherever possible. We urgently appeal to the British public to support these humanitarian efforts and stand with everyone affected by this terrible crisis.” 

Sudan hosts one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, providing refuge to just over one million people who have fled conflict in countries such as South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Syria. In addition, 3.7 million people were already internally displaced within Sudan due to severe flooding and previous conflict.  

People can donate and find out more at unrefugees.org.uk/SudanEmergency  

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For further information

Please contact Sara Guy, [email protected], 0208 183 0121 

Notes to Editor 

At least 20,000 Sudanese refugees have arrived in neighbouring Chad and over 10,000 refugees from South Sudan have had to return hastily to their own country. Latest data on the situation in Sudan is available on UNHCR’s data portal

UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi’s full statement is available here. 

Limited photography and b-roll is available on request via Refugees Media: https://media.unhcr.org/  

About UK for UNHCR 

UK for UNHCR is the UN Refugee Agency’s national partner for the UK, building solidarity, fostering partnerships and raising funds in the UK to help deliver global humanitarian relief for refugees through UNHCR’s work. www.unrefugees.org.uk  

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, leads international action to protect people forced to flee their homes because of conflict and persecution. It delivers life-saving assistance like shelter, food and water, helps safeguard fundamental human rights, and develops solutions that ensure people have a safe place to call home where they can build a better future. UNHCR also works to ensure that stateless people are granted a nationality. www.unhcr.org 

UK for UNHCR is a registered charity in England and Wales (registered charity number 1183415).