Fighting that erupted on 15 April 2023 between the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) has created massive displacement and suffering. More than 1.3 million people have been newly displaced including over one million within Sudan and and more than 319,000 in neighboring countries.
As of 22 May, 132,364 people had fled to Egypt, 69,112 to South Sudan, 80,000 to Chad, 13,824 to the Central African Republic (CAR), and 26,818 to Ethiopia.
The immediate UNFPA priority is to ensure:
- Access to the Minimum Initial Service Package (MISP) for sexual and reproductive health in emergencies, including emergency obstetric and newborn care for safe birth, and the clinical management of rape.
- Access to comprehensive gender-based violence (GBV) prevention and response services, including referrals to multisector services, mental health and psychosocial support, and case management.
As part of the UN Sudan Regional Refugee Response Plan, UNFPA is coordinating efforts with governments and humanitarian partners to scale up the provision of integrated SRH and GBV prevention and response services in areas with high numbers of asylum seekers, returnees and refugees.
Given the increased protection risks for women and girls, UNFPA will disseminate awareness-raising material on the prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse (PSEA), estabish safe and accessible reporting channels, and increase awareness of available services for survivors. A PSEA component will be mainstreamed into all humanitarian assessments, programme planning, and response activities.