Khartoum, July 6(Darfur24) The United Nations higher commissioner for refugees UNHCR has expressed its grave concern over reports of civilians, including refugees and IDPs that are caught in the conflict in Sudan.
UNHCR said in a press statement issued Tuesday, that 28 refugees hosted by Sudan were confirmed dead and others were injured in Khartoum on June 25 when the killers surrounded their residence.
UNHCR expressed shock and offered condolence to the families of the killed refugees, adding that it will continue tracing relatives and victims to provide them with psychological and other support mechanisms..
UNHCR regional director for North Africa and the horn of Africa Mamadou Dian Baldi said” it’s once again refugees and civilians have become victims of this tragic war ”
Baldi called on the the parties to the conflict to allow civilians move freely to safer areas, grantee their protection, safety and respect basic human rights.
Armed group had earlier anticipated 500 refugees attempting to flee the conflict in Khartoum and other areas and prevented them from leaving. According to the refugees, their belongings were confiscated and their vehicles were seized and left exposed to risk without providing them with basic needs such as drinking water.
UNHCR referred to unconfirmed reports from West Darfur that people were prevented from leaving the city of El-geneina and crossing border to neighboring Chad.
The 9 week old bloody clashes between the Sudanese army and the paramilitary rapid support forces RSF have displaced 2.5 million people. Before eruption of the conflict Sudan had been hosting 1.1 million refugees mostly from South Sudan, Ethiopia, Eritrea and Syria.