Official Reveals Return of 4 Million Sudanese from Countries of Asylum

The Commissioner for Refugees, Nizar Al-Tijani Ahmed Abu Al-Qasim, expressed his solidarity with the millions of Sudanese refugees displaced by the war, praising their resilience and their unwavering hope for return. He also revealed that more than 4 million refugees have returned to Sudan, emphasizing the need to provide services and livelihoods to ensure the sustainability of their return.

This came during the celebration held by the Commissioner for Refugees and the international community on Saturday to mark World Refugee Day, which coincides with the 75th anniversary of the adoption of the 1951 Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, under the slogan “Until Everyone Is Safe.”

The Commissioner explained that Sudan is among the first countries to join the 1951 Convention and the 1969 OAU Convention relating to the Status of Refugees, reflecting its firm commitment to humanitarian principles and regional and international solidarity.

Abu al-Qasim warned of the challenges facing refugee management today, most notably the decline in international funding, the decrease in support from host countries, and the politicization of humanitarian issues. He called for increased funding, expanded partnerships with the private sector, and linking support to the Sustainable Development Goals.

The Commissioner for Refugees also condemned the violations suffered by Sudanese refugees in some host countries, including exploitation, violence, arbitrary detention, forced return, and hate speech. He urged the UNHCR to redouble its protection efforts and provide a safe environment that preserves their dignity until their return home.

He reiterated the state’s commitment to strengthening protection and care for refugees, improving services provided to them and host communities, and working jointly with the UNHCR and partners to find sustainable solutions to refugee problems in Sudan.