More than 2.2 million people forced to flee their homes

(MissionNewswire) Salesian missionaries at the St. Joseph Vocational Technical School in Khartoum, Sudan,* have been forced to leave the school due to the advance of paramilitaries and the ongoing insecurity in the area. Salesians and students have taken refuge several kilometers away. Sudan has been struggling with a bloody internal war that broke out after weeks of power struggles.

According to the World Health Organization, there are more than 900 dead and more than 6,000 injured. More than 2.2 million people have been forced to flee their homes. International organizations report several cases of brutal violence, looting and killings. The situation is dire and close to 11.7 million lack access to food, water, shelter and medical care according to the United Nations.

In addition, there are only a few hospitals that remain open in Khartoum. Some have been occupied while others have closed. Many have been bombed. Sudan has been beset by wars for decades, including the conflict in Darfur in 2003 and the devastating humanitarian crisis that followed. It is also in a very unstable region with many neighboring countries having suffered major political upheavals and conflicts, causing millions of refugees.

Salesians across the country have been responding, providing support for the most vulnerable including women, children, the elderly, people with disabilities and those suffering from severe malnutrition. The three Salesian centers operating in Sudan are the St. Joseph Vocational Technical Center in Khartoum, St. Joseph’s in Kalakala and the Don Bosco Vocational Technical School in El Obeid.

In response to the growing needs, the Mission Don Bosco Office in Turin, Italy, has launched an appeal to help send basic necessities to Salesians for distribution to the people most affected by the conflict.

A Salesian explained, “Everything is needed, from basic necessities such as food and water, to medical care, vaccinations, and maternal and child health services. In addition, the displaced population needs sanitation facilities to prevent the spread of diseases, psycho-social support services, and the creation of safe spaces for women and children who have suffered abuse and violence.”

With more than 36% of its population living in poverty, Sudan is one of the poorest countries in the world, according to UNICEF. Low incomes and food deficiencies are common, and ongoing violence and civil unrest exacerbate already harsh conditions. Despite these challenges, more youth are in school today than ever before. There remain, however, some 3.2 million children between the ages of 6-16 out of school with the highest rates among nomadic populations, those living in rural areas and in the poorest households.

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Sources:

Photo courtesy of Missioni Don Bosco

ANS – Sudan – A country devastated by violence for years

Salesian Missions – Sudan

UNICEF – Sudan

*Any goods, services, or funds provided by Salesian Missions to programs located in this country were administered in compliance with applicable laws and regulations, including sanctions administered by the U.S. Department of Treasury’s Office of Foreign Asset Control.