Dear John,

Refugees fleeing conflict in Ethiopia’s Tigray region continue to arrive in Sudan, and about 1,000 crossed the border yesterday evening, telling UNHCR of more people on the move in search of safety. More than 47,000 have arrived since the start of the conflict in early November.

Our UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi just returned from Sudan where he visited the border areas, the refugee camp that is being set up in Um Rakuba and had discussions with refugees.

I want to share with you what the High Commissioner and my colleagues in Sudan told me and why your help is urgently needed.

The refugees they spoke to fled terrifying violence, endured torturous journeys and arrived deprived of almost everything. They left behind all that they own and got often separated from their families. Many are farmers who were forced to flee at the time of harvest, destroying their livelihoods. Most had already been suffering due to the pandemic.

One of the refugees who has just arrived in Sudan, Berhane, 31, fled his home in the Tigrayan town of Humera with nothing other than his young daughter and mother. Berhane’s wife, a teacher like him, had lost her job when schools closed due to COVID-19 and was away visiting family when fighting broke out. The family lost touch with her and were very worried but really hoping they would be reunited.

These are heartbreaking stories.

Right now, we are stepping up our response. The first three airplanes full of UNHCR emergency aid from our global stockpiles landed in Sudan in the past few days, carrying 5,000 blankets, 4,500 solar lamps, 2,900 mosquito nets, 200 plastic sheets, 200 plastic rolls, 10 prefabricated warehouses and over 3,000 family tents.

This will help around one third of the refugees who have arrived – but this is not enough. We are planning more airlifts and are supporting the response on the ground, but we can’t do this alone.

We need additional funds to meet the growing needs. 

Thank you