Sudan Calls on IOM to Support Voluntary Returns

Geneva – Sudanhorizon
Sudan’s Permanent Representative to Geneva, Ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan, has delivered Sudan’s statement at the opening session of the 38th session of the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM), Wednesday.
In his statement, the Ambassador expressed the Sudanese government’s appreciation for the efforts of the IOM and its country office in Sudan in supporting those affected by the humanitarian and displacement crisis in the country.
He presented examples of atrocities and crimes, and the resulting forced displacement of populations since the outbreak of the proxy war waged by the rebel militia, with the support of its regional sponsor.
The Permanent Representative noted that the country is currently witnessing an increasing voluntary return of civilians to their home areas. More than 3.3 million internally displaced persons have returned, in addition to approximately one million Sudanese who have voluntarily returned from countries of asylum to Khartoum and several other states.
He reviewed the government’s intensive efforts to enhance security and stability, restore essential services, and provide basic necessities, despite limited resources and the systematic destruction and sabotage of strategic service facilities by the rebel militia.
He called on the organization and international partners to provide the necessary support to bolster ongoing national efforts to meet the requirements for voluntary return and the immediate needs of returnees.
The Permanent Representative noted the continued escalation of challenges in parts of Kordofan and the increasing targeting of civilian infrastructure and vital facilities by the rebel militia, including power and water stations, health facilities, and schools, with the aim of destabilizing and displacing the population. This hinders efforts toward stability and early recovery.
The representative also highlighted the situation of Sudanese citizens abroad and the challenges and risks they face related to irregular status and exploitation by smuggling and human trafficking networks. He called on the organization to strengthen its protection, advocacy, and assistance efforts, and to support voluntary and regular return pathways, family reunification, and opportunities for migration and formal employment.
The Permanent Representative stressed that addressing the displacement crisis and achieving sustainable solutions to their humanitarian situation requires addressing the root causes of the crisis, foremost among them the immediate cessation of foreign interference, putting an end to the flow of military and financial support to the rebel militia, including preventing the flow of weapons and mercenaries, in addition to supporting national efforts aimed at restoring peace, stability and recovery.

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