As the conflict in Sudan enters its fourth year, the humanitarian response is coming under increasing strain as needs continue to grow across the country and the wider region. The International Organization for Migration (IOM) warns that the scale and complexity of population movements, combined with environmental shocks and operational constraints, are placing significant pressure on humanitarian systems.
"Right now, needs are outpacing our ability to respond - and that gap is measured in human lives," said IOM Director General Amy Pope. "Every day assistance is delayed, families go without food, water, or safety. Urgent, sustained international support is needed now to reach people before more lives are pushed beyond the brink."
At the centre of this pressure is the scale of displacement and return movements unfolding across the country. Sudan remains the world's largest displacement crisis, with nearly 9 million people currently internally displaced. At the same time, almost 4 million people have returned to areas they perceive to be relatively safer in an effort to rebuild their lives.
Despite these movements, humanitarian needs remain widespread. Both displaced populations and returnees continue to face significant challenges in accessing basic services. Many families returning to damaged or abandoned homes encounter severe shortages of shelter, clean water, healthcare and livelihoods, leaving millions dependent on humanitarian assistance to meet their most basic needs.
Population movements across Sudan remain highly dynamic. Large-scale displacement continues in parts of Darfur, Kordofan and Blue Nile State, where insecurity persists. At the same time, significant return movements have been recorded, especially in Khartoum. These returns are often driven by a combination of factors, including perceived improvements in security, economic pressures, family reunification, limited services in displacement sites and challenges faced by Sudanese living in neighbouring countries.
At the same time, climate-related shocks are intensifying humanitarian needs. Heavy rains, flooding and extreme heat have worsened food insecurity and increased the risk of water-borne diseases in communities already struggling to cope with the impacts of conflict and displacement.
The crisis is also placing growing pressure on neighbouring countries. Since the onset of the conflict, approximately 4.5 million people have fled Sudan, seeking safety in neighbouring states. Chad, South Sudan, Libya and Egypt have received the majority of arrivals.
To date, more than 1.3 million people have arrived in South Sudan and an additional 1.3 million in Chad. A significant number of those crossing borders are returning nationals, including over 900,000 people returning to South Sudan and nearly 393,000 to Chad, further increasing pressure on already fragile humanitarian and public service systems.
IOM continues to scale up its response to address the growing needs. In 2025, the Organization became the first UN agency to re-establish its presence in Khartoum, where it has since supported the establishment of an inter-agency hub to enable UN partners to expand their operational footprint in Sudan's capital. The Organization also maintains an inter-agency humanitarian hub in Farchana, Chad, which has served as a staging area for 39 cross-border aid movements to Darfur.
However, humanitarian operations are facing increasing funding and logistical challenges. Disruptions to regional supply chains, linked in part to the escalation of hostilities in the Middle East, have affected air routes and waterways used for the delivery of humanitarian assistance. These disruptions have resulted in delays and rising operational costs, further straining efforts to reach vulnerable communities across Sudan and the region.
With needs continuing to grow, sustained international support remains critical. IOM is appealing for USD 277 million to assist the most vulnerable populations affected by the crisis in Sudan and neighbouring countries, and to strengthen the systems required to sustain and expand the humanitarian and recovery response.
IOM calls on the international community to increase support for the humanitarian response, resilience building, and recovery efforts to ensure that people affected by the crisis receive the assistance they need.
