UNHCR pledges support as over 20,000 Sudanese cross to Ethiopia in search of safety
Civilians who fled the war-torn Sudan following the outbreak of fighting between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) walk at the Joda South border point, in Renk County, Upper Nile state, South Sudan April 30, 2023. REUTERS/Jok Solomun
In an unfolding humanitarian crisis, over 20,000 Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers have crossed the Ethiopian border at Kurmuk since mid-April 2023, driven by a desperate quest for safety and stability amid the ongoing conflict in Sudan.
Having heard the harrowing stories of the refugees, High Commissioner Filippo Grandi expressed deep concern about the situation in Sudan and pledged to leverage the resources of the UNHCR to support those in need.
Recognizing the urgency of the situation, a high-level delegation led by the Director General of Refugees and Returnees Service (RRS), Teyiba Hassen, and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, visited the emergency site under RRS Asossa Operation where the displaced individuals are currently being sheltered.
Engaging in on-the-ground discussions with representatives, the delegation gained insights into the challenges faced by refugees and asylum seekers. The situation in Sudan has been highlighted as severely underfunded on a global scale, demanding immediate and increased support.
Filippo stated, “Thanks go to Ethiopia for its shining example of hosting nearly a million refugees and asylum seekers despite challenges within. We also thank the regional government for allotting land for relocation.”
Filippo witnessed Ethiopia’s open border at Kurmuk, serving as a crucial entry point for those desperately seeking refuge from the conflict in Sudan.
Meanwhile, RRS Director General Teyiba Hassen assured that collaborative efforts with partners are underway to relocate the refugees and asylum seekers and mitigate the challenging situation.
“It’s heart-breaking to see women and the elderly, particularly children, suffer this much due to misunderstandings between the parties to the conflict back home,” expressed Teyiba Hassen. “Our people and government are committed to sharing what they have with the people of Sudan, as we have a lot of commonalities to cherish beyond neighborliness.”
Following their visit to Kurmuk, the delegation met with the Chief Administrator of Benishangul-Gumuz Regional State, Ashadli Hassen. He emphasized the deep-rooted tradition of Ethiopians lending a helping hand to those in need.
The visiting team, comprised of officials from Benishangul-Gumuz Region, RRS, and UNHCR, concluded their visit with a renewed commitment to addressing the immediate needs of the Sudanese refugees and asylum seekers in Ethiopia.
