UN refugee chief Barham Salih has denounced the ongoing war in Sudan as "shameful" and called for a political solution to end the conflict. In an interview with France 24, Salih expressed his deep concern over the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Sudan, where millions have been displaced and hundreds of thousands have been killed or maimed since the war began four years ago. He emphasized that the situation is "embarrassing" and "unacceptable" in the 21st century.
Salih, a former Iraqi president who took the helm of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR) in January, highlighted the dire consequences of funding cuts on the humanitarian response. He noted that US funding cuts have had a "drastic" impact, while the EU has increased its support to UNHCR. The funding shortage has severely limited the agency's ability to provide essential aid, including water and medical care, to refugees. In Adré, Chad, refugees receive only eight liters of water per person per day, while a community of 60,000 refugees in Gambela, Ethiopia, has only one doctor.
The UN refugee chief defended the integrity of the asylum system, which he believes is under threat due to politicization and misinformation. Salih argued that asylum and immigration control are complementary, not competing, and that the asylum system is essential for protecting vulnerable individuals. He emphasized that the international community must work together to address the root causes of displacement and find durable solutions for refugees.
Salih's comments come as the world faces a record high number of forcibly displaced people. He warned that the current funding crisis is hurting people "in dire need" and that "efficiency has its limits." The UNHCR chief stressed that a political solution to the conflict in Sudan is essential to bring an end to the suffering of civilians. He urged the international community to take immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis and find a lasting solution to the conflict.
The war in Sudan has had a devastating impact on civilians, with millions displaced and hundreds of thousands killed or maimed. Salih described the situation as "shameful" and called for an end to the conflict. He emphasized that the international community has a responsibility to protect civilians and ensure that their rights are respected. The UN refugee chief also highlighted the need for increased support to UNHCR to enable the agency to respond effectively to the humanitarian crisis.
Salih's visit to Chad and Ethiopia has highlighted the urgent need for humanitarian assistance in the region. He met with refugees and witnessed firsthand the dire conditions they face. The UN refugee chief emphasized that the international community must do more to support refugees and host countries, which are often overwhelmed by the influx of displaced people. He called for increased funding and support to enable UNHCR to provide essential aid to those in need.
The UN refugee chief's comments have sparked a renewed call for action to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan and beyond. Salih's message is clear: the international community must work together to find a political solution to the conflict and ensure that civilians are protected. He emphasized that the fate of millions of displaced people hangs in the balance and that immediate action is necessary to prevent further suffering.
Key points
- UN refugee chief Barham Salih condemns Sudan war as 'shameful'
- Funding cuts hurting humanitarian response in Sudan
- Asylum system under threat due to politicization
