El Fasher, April 21(Darfur 24)
The UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta Salami, reported that forced displacement in North Darfur is hampering relief operations.
In a statement obtained by Darfur24, Salami said that humanitarian organizations are facing critical and worsening operational challenges in North Darfur state, as a result of the forced and large-scale displacement of civilians away from existing infrastructure and relief services.
She added, “This displacement has significantly disrupted existing relief operations and significantly increased the vulnerability of hundreds of thousands of people.”
Salami stated that between 400,000 and 450,000 people have fled the Zamzam and Abu Shouk camps and other sites, and have been displaced to Tawila, the surrounding Jebel Marra area, and other areas.
She continued, “The displacement movement is characterized by instability and unpredictability, fueled by ongoing hostilities and fears of a potential military escalation in El Fasher.” The situation is exacerbated by growing food insecurity, as displaced communities are cut off from supply chains and aid, increasing the risk of epidemics, malnutrition, and famine.
The statement stressed that current restrictions on humanitarian access, particularly to and around El Fasher, are hampering organizations’ ability to respond effectively.
It called for immediate and sustained access for UN and NGO workers to ensure safe and widespread delivery of life-saving support.
It called for the continued delivery of humanitarian aid through existing infrastructure, as it is best able to provide a comprehensive and effective response, prevent further forced displacement, and ease the burden on areas like Tawila and the exhausted host communities.
The Rapid Support Forces have been besieging El Fasher for nearly a year, before tightening the noose by taking control of Zamzam camp on April 14.
The statement emphasized that serious violations, including direct attacks on displaced persons and humanitarian workers, are unacceptable.
It added: “Civilians must never be a target, and displacement must never be conditioned upon the need for humanitarian assistance.” Forced access to aid.”
She called on all parties to respect international humanitarian law, ensure safe, sustainable, and unhindered access for humanitarian aid to those in need, and protect civilians.