[ad_1]
More than 27,000 have now crossed into Sudan through crossing points in Kassala and Gedaref states, as well as a new location further south in Aderafi, where Ethiopian refugees began crossing over the weekend, according to UNHCR.
The scale of the influx is the worst part of the country has seen in more than 20 years, according to the agency.
“Women, men and children have been crossing the border at a rate of 4,000 a day since November 10, rapidly overwhelming humanitarian response capacity on the ground,” said Babar Baloch, a UNHCR spokesman, in a briefing to the journalists in Geneva.
“Refugees fleeing the fighting continue to arrive exhausted from the long walk to safety, with few belongings,” he added.
According to news reports, Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has indicated that the military operation that was launched in response to the alleged occupation of a government military base by Tigrayan forces almost two weeks ago, would continue, although he said it was now in its “final phase.”
‘The needs keep growing’
UN agencies, together with relief partners, have increased assistance, providing food rations, hot meals and clean water, as well as installing latrines and temporary shelters. They are also supporting the Sudanese government in its response. But the needs continue to grow.
The UN World Food Program (WFP) is also supporting other humanitarian workers in their response, providing fuel for vehicles and generators in remote locations. The UN Humanitarian Air Service, managed by WFP, has also increased flights from three times a week to daily flights for humanitarian workers.
Since Saturday, UNHCR has relocated 2,500 refugees from the border to the Um Raquba settlement in eastern Sudan. However, there is a “critical need” to identify more sites so that refugees can be relocated outside the border and access assistance and services, Baloch said.
UNHCR has also issued an emergency fundraising appeal, through which people can help provide urgent and vital assistance to refugees. Click here to make a donation
‘On hold’ in Tigray
Meanwhile, in Ethiopia’s own Tigray region, a lack of electricity, telecommunications, fuel and cash continues to severely hamper any humanitarian response, the UNHCR spokesman said.
“After nearly two weeks of conflict, reports of increased numbers of internally displaced persons are increasing daily, while lack of access to those in need, coupled with the inability to transport goods to the region, remain major impediments to providing assistance. “, said. .
UNHCR and its partners are standing by to provide assistance to the displaced in Tigray, including basic items, when access and security allow.
The conflict is also a major concern for the Eritrean refugee population of nearly 100,000 in Tigray, who depend on assistance from UNHCR and its partners.
“The potential for further refugee displacement within the country is increasingly a real possibility … The humanitarian situation as a result of this crisis is growing rapidly,” he warned, reiterating OHCHR’s call for peace and urging all parties to respect the safety of all civilians in Tigray.
