The issue of the displaced population demands urgent global attention and an immediate ceasefire, IOM General Director, Amy Pope, said after personally confirming the devastating effect during a recent visit to eastern Chad.

IOM’s latest report estimates that six million people have fled their homes to other regions in Sudan since fighting began nine months ago. About 1.7 million civilians have sought refuge across borders into neighboring South Sudan, Chad, Ethiopia, Egypt, the Central African Republic, and Libya.

As a result, the hostilities have created the world’s largest displacement crisis in the North African region.

“A ceasefire in Sudan urgently enables people to rebuild their lives with dignity. We must not turn our back on the suffering of millions affected by such a devastating conflict,” Pope said.

Now, more than ever, we need all possible support to continue providing life-saving humanitarian assistance and move towards recovery and long-term solutions,” she added.

IOM has to date assisted more than one million individuals in Sudan and neighboring countries. This included providing cash assistance, safe transportation, and critical support in healthcare, protection, water, sanitation, and hygiene.

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