A child who fled with his family from Sudan to Renk, South Sudan, receives physiotherapy from a Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) staff as his mother looks on. Photo: Paula Casado Aguirregabiria/JRS- East Africa
As the civil war in Sudan marks its first anniversary on April 15, Jesuit Refugee Service (JRS) East Africa is urging the world not to forget that the conflict has uprooted about 9 million people, “making it the most severe displacement crisis” in the world today.
The “horrific” level of violence in Khartoum, Sudan’s capital, and other areas of the country, has forced millions to flee in bordering countries, said JRS, a partner of Canadian Jesuits International (CJI). The brutal conflict between the nation’s army and paramilitaries has already killed thousands, and triggered a humanitarian crisis, in which 18 million citizens face “catastrophic hunger,” according to the United Nations.
“Despite the growing needs of the affected population, the crisis in Sudan has faded from the headlines. However, the horrendous humanitarian situation persists, with urgent requirements for protection, education, (mental) health support, and shelter,” said JRS in a press statement.
With support from CJI and other Jesuit organizations, JRS is responding to the crisis by focusing on the education of displaced children who have sought refuge with their families in Chad and providing rehabilitation and health support in South Sudan. It is also providing mattresses, mosquito nets, and soap to the most vulnerable displaced people, including those with special needs and survivors of gender-based violence.
However, JRS said that along with its other partners on the ground, it needs more resources to continue critical humanitarian work. “The global community must rally support for displaced individuals from Sudan and serve as a beacon of hope in this crisis. Together, we can make a difference in the lives of those affected by this forgotten war,” said JRS.
Nearly two million Sudanese have fled to border countries, mostly to South Sudan and Chad, and the rest to Egypt, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic.
In Chad, 58% of the displaced individuals are women and girls; 64% are under the age of 18. Half of the displaced people who sought refuge in South Sudan are women and girls; 51% are under 18 years old.
In February, Pope Francis reiterated his call for an end to the conflict in Sudan.
“I ask again the warring parties to stop this war, which causes so much damage to the people and the future of the country,” said the pope. “Let’s pray so that avenues of peace will soon be found for the future of beloved Sudan.”
