Sudan Calls on International Community to Support Reconstruction Amid Rising Numbers of Returnees

Geneva –Sudanhorizon

Sudan’s Permanent Representative to Geneva, Hassan Hamid Hassan, addressed a high-level event focused on the response to refugee situations and voluntary return.

Held on Tuesday on the sidelines of the 77th session of the Executive Committee of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) program, the event was attended by the Assistant High Commissioner for Refugees (Operations), the Regional Director and Coordinator for the Sudan Regional Refugee Crisis, as well as representatives from neighboring countries and international humanitarian organizations.

The Permanent Representative emphasized that Sudan is witnessing a large-scale voluntary return movement involving over five million people—both internally displaced persons and those returning from neighboring countries.

He stressed that these developments require a shift in international priorities: moving beyond mere humanitarian response to supporting the state’s ongoing efforts toward early recovery and the rehabilitation of service facilities and infrastructure.

Hamid explained that creating the conditions necessary for voluntary return is a top priority for the government. He highlighted the systematic targeting and destruction of infrastructure and service facilities by the rebel militia, asserting that humanitarian aid alone is insufficient to rebuild the sabotaged water and electricity networks, hospitals, schools, and productive sectors.

He underscored the importance of the international community transitioning from humanitarian response to providing direct development support for production sectors and essential services, thereby fostering stability for the returnees.

The delegate also outlined national efforts undertaken through the High-Level National Mechanism for Voluntary Return and Reintegration, calling upon international partners and funding and development institutions to engage more actively and robustly in supporting these efforts.

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