Families forced to flee again as the war worsens

In April 2023, families from SOS Children’s Villages in Sudan were evacuated from Khartoum to safer locations outside the city when war broke out. Sadly, they have been forced to move again as the violence comes closer to their doorstep once more.

Three million children are now displaced – the largest figure anywhere in the world right now. 

The brutal conflict, which began in Sudan’s capital Khartoum in April 2023, has been spreading steadily to eastern and southern Sudan – parts of the country that had previously been considered safe. 

SOS Children’s Villages in Sudan continues to monitor the situation closely and adjust safety protocols as events unfold. These precautions include regular security assessments, emergency response plans, and coordinating closely with local authorities and humanitarian organisations. 

Bringing communities back together

In mid-December 2023, the Sudan team evacuated all families and staff living in Al Jazirah State when fighting expanded to the area. The families are now safe and have settled in their new location in East Sudan. 

There are no schools or educational activities right now, leaving parents and caregivers to find ways to keep the children and young people busy at home. 

Abdelrahman Mubarak, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Sudan, says his team is working on a plan to bring all those who have been relocated – 15 families, 90 children and 56 young people – together in one location. Currently, one family lives in a different state.  

“We’re working closely with authorities to obtain identity cards and passports for all children, young people, and caregivers in preparation for the next step,” says Mr. Mubarak.  

“This may be to evacuate the families to a neighbouring country now that we face the danger of the war expanding to more states. This decision is crucial to ensure the safety of all children and families under our care until a peaceful solution is reached in our country.” 

Escalation of the conflict 

This escalation of conflict has resulted in increased loss of life and mass displacement. According to the United Nations, more than one million people have fled to neighbouring countries like Egypt, Chad and South Sudan; internally, about six million are displaced making Sudan the country with the highest number of internally displaced people in the world. 

Sudan also has three million children uprooted from their homes by the violence – the largest anywhere globally.  

The SOS Children’s Villages family strengthening team was able to provide cash support to the families in the programme when the fighting began, but as the situation deteriorated, many of the families fled in search of safety. 

“We have not been able to get in touch with them ever since,” says Mr. Mubarak.  

“Lack of communication has hindered our ability to continue our support to these families.” 

Emergency intervention 

The emergency programme, set up in Khartoum and South Kordofan before the war moved to White Nile and Al Jazirah states to support families that have fled to the area.  

The humanitarian action reached over 10,000 people with hygiene kits, livelihood cash, child-friendly spaces and provided psychosocial support to children and young adolescents through the Team Up approach.  

There are plans to extend the emergency programme for another two years.

Read more: Q&A with Abdelrahman Mubarak, National Director of SOS Children’s Villages in Sudan