PortSudan , November 11( Darfur 2
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) has expressed grave concern over recent developments in Sudan with the escalation of fighting in the Darfur region. The UN refugee agency said more than 8,000 people fled to neighboring Chad in the past week alone, a number that is likely an underestimate due to challenges facing registering new arrivals.
UNHCR explained in a press statement published on Friday ,that it is preparing with the government and partners on the ground in Chad to receive more refugees as the conflict intensifies in Sudan.
It reported that more than 800 people were killed by armed groups in the Ardamta region, West Darfur, which is the region least affected by the conflict so far.
Ardamata also includes a camp for internally displaced people, where nearly 100 shelters were completely destroyed, according to the UNHCR statement, which also indicated widespread looting in the region, which also affected UNHCR relief materials.
Avoid another disaster
The commission said that reports of continued sexual violence, torture, arbitrary killings, extortion of civilians, and the targeting of specific ethnic groups “raise deep concern.”
It also stated that other reports indicated that thousands of internally displaced persons were forced to flee a camp in El Geneina.
The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, said: “Twenty years ago, the world was shocked by the terrible atrocities and human rights violations in Darfur. “We fear that a similar dynamic will develop.”
Grandi stressed that an immediate cessation of fighting and unconditional respect for the civilian population by all parties is “critical to avoiding another catastrophe.”
The Commission called for an end to the fighting, and for all parties to respect their obligations under international humanitarian law, including allowing the safe passage of civilians as they move in search of safety.
It is noteworthy that the conflict in Sudan, since April 2023, has resulted in the displacement of more than 4.8 million people within the country, and another 1.2 million people have sought refuge in neighboring countries.