WARSAW, 24 May 2024 – Poland’s support to people displaced by the year-long war in Sudan is crucial for saving lives in one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, has said. The Government of Poland has provided UNHCR with 1 million euros (some 4.3 million zlotys) for its emergency relief efforts to support those displaced by the war in Sudan, where more humanitarian aid is urgently needed.

“Following an exemplary response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis, Poland has stepped up on the world stage to support those forced to flee their homes inside Sudan,” said Kevin J. Allen, UNHCR Representative in Poland. “Such international solidarity — and, indeed, humanitarian leadership — is inspiring and a reminder that Poland is increasingly a global player.”

During the Humanitarian Conference in Paris on 15 April, Poland and 32 other states and organizations pledged 2 billion euros (some 8.6 billion zlotys) to support civilian populations in Sudan and those who sought refuge in neighbouring countries.

“In terms of the humanitarian needs in Sudan we deal with one of the most difficult situations and serious displacement crises in Africa. We have received one million Ukrainian refugees in Poland, which is why we are aware of the importance of the support to displaced populations that are forced to flee because of armed conflicts in other parts of the world,” said Deputy Foreign Minister of Poland Anna Radwan-Röhrenschef at the Sudan pledging conference.

The conflict in Sudan has so far forcibly displaced 6.7 million people inside the country. Additionally, 1.8 million have fled across Sudan’s borders to the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia and South Sudan. This number includes refugees and people compelled to return to their home countries prematurely. Most of them are living in remote areas without access to food or basic medical services. While the humanitarian situation continues to worsen, funding remains critically low and insufficient to meet needs across Sudan and in neighbouring countries. 

UNHCR, alongside UN partners, remains in Sudan to support its people and continues to operate wherever it has safe access. In Khartoum, Darfur and Kordofan State, UNHCR is working with local partners, refugee leaders and community-based protection networks to monitor needs and assist. The UN Refugee Agency is also present in Red Sea, Northern, White Nile, Blue Nile, Gedaref and Kassala states, which host hundreds of thousands of refugees who were already in the country before the conflict.

Following its recent pledge for Sudan, Poland has announced that it will also support UNHCR's work in Armenia with an amount of USD 250,000 (some 997,000 zlotys).