UN human rights chief Volker Türk said that Sudanese civil society leaders not only understand the scale of the country’s crisis but also see a path toward solutions, following discussions with more than 40 representatives in Dongola, the capital of Sudan’s Northern State. He stressed that meaningful progress will require a coordinated, all-out effort from both within Sudan and the international community to support and enable civil society’s work.
The conflict that erupted in Sudan in 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has displaced around 9.3 million people and triggered one of the world’s most severe hunger crises. During his visit, which began on Wednesday, Mr. Türk has been meeting Sudanese authorities, humanitarian partners, civil society actors, and people displaced by fighting in Darfur and Kordofan, with press conferences scheduled at the conclusion of his mission on 18 January.
As the crisis continues, neighbouring Chad has emerged as a key refuge for those fleeing the violence. Since April 2023, more than 900,000 Sudanese refugees have crossed into eastern Chad, with new arrivals reported daily. UNHCR noted that this influx has placed significant pressure on the region but reflects Chad’s openness to those escaping conflict.
Newly appointed UN High Commissioner for Refugees Barham Salih visited Chad for the first time in his role, meeting displaced Sudanese families and local authorities. Many refugees shared accounts of repeated displacement, years of violent attacks, and serious human rights abuses, highlighting the protracted and traumatic nature of the crisis.
Mr. Salih described the situation in Sudan as a humanitarian calamity of overwhelming scale and praised Chad’s reception of refugees as a powerful act of solidarity. He also recognised the generosity of host communities, who have welcomed refugees despite facing their own economic challenges and environmental stress.
Looking beyond emergency response, Mr. Salih emphasised UNHCR’s commitment to working with governments and partners to expand economic opportunities and essential services for both refugees and host populations. He underlined that experiences in countries like Chad and Kenya demonstrate how inclusive policies, backed by sustained international support, can help move from managing displacement toward long-term solutions, allowing refugees to rebuild their lives and contribute positively to the societies that host them.
