Increase in Refugee Population amid Reduction in Humanitarian Aid, According to UNHCR Report

Increase in Refugee Population amid Reduction in Humanitarian Aid, According to UNHCR Report

The ZamZam refugee camp in North Darfur, Sudan, is currently at the epicentre of a humanitarian catastrophe, with civilians trapped between violent attacks, displacement, and a lack of international intervention.

**Recent Attacks and Displacement**

In April 2025, the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) launched a large-scale ground offensive on ZamZam camp, resulting in over 500 civilian deaths and widespread reports of sexual violence, including against children as young as 13. This attack forced an estimated 400,000 people to flee ZamZam in less than three weeks, many to the nearby city of El Fasher, which is also besieged and subject to further violence. Tens of thousands of displaced individuals escaped to Tawila, around 60 kilometers away, and across the border into Chad. An estimated 80,000 refugees from North Darfur, many of whom originated from ZamZam, have sought shelter in Chad, where conditions remain extremely challenging.

**Main Threats**

Those who remain in or near ZamZam are effectively trapped, with the camp now serving as an RSF barracks. Movement is restricted, and residents are unable to leave freely. The main threats in the area include violence, sexual violence, hunger, and disease. Displaced populations face acute food insecurity, insufficient shelter, and outbreaks of diseases such as hepatitis E in refugee camps in Chad. Most of those displaced are women, children, and other vulnerable groups.

**Humanitarian Access**

Humanitarian organizations struggle to reach those displaced by the violence. Many who fled to El Fasher remain trapped and out of reach of aid, while new arrivals at border areas in Chad stretch already overwhelmed services. Repeated attacks on healthcare facilities led Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to end medical activities in El Fasher in August 2024 and in ZamZam camp in February 2025. This has left survivors of violence, illness, and hunger without access to essential medical care.

**Aid Efforts**

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other agencies are providing life-saving assistance and working to relocate refugees to more stable camps away from overcrowded border sites. However, ongoing insecurity and limited resources severely hamper these efforts.

**International Response**

Mathias Mogge, Secretary General of Welthungerhilfe, a large private aid organization based in Germany, has commented on the new refugee figures, calling them a "dramatic wake-up call." Welthungerhilfe, which has been supported with 5.07 billion euros since its founding in 1962, has supported over 12,000 overseas projects in about 72 countries. The organization follows the principle of empowering people to help themselves and offers disaster relief, reconstruction, and long-term development cooperation projects.

**Funding for Humanitarian Aid**

However, funding for humanitarian aid is being significantly reduced, posing a risk to human lives. Most refugees find refuge in neighbouring countries, which are often struggling with poverty and unstable structures. Humanitarian aid is vital for survival, and the reduction in funding could exacerbate the already dire situation.

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The number of violent conflicts has doubled in the last 10 years, forcing more and more families to flee. The situation in the ZamZam displacement camp in North Darfur, Sudan, remains dire, marked by severe violence, displacement, and a critical lack of humanitarian support. It serves as a stark reminder of the urgent need for global action to address the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

1. The situation in the ZamZam displacement camp in North Darfur, Sudan, highlights the importance of development cooperation in addressing humanitarian crises.
2. The recent attacks on ZamZam camp have resulted in a significant number of civilian deaths and widespread reports of sexual violence.
3. These attacks have forced an estimated 400,000 people to flee ZamZam, many to the nearby city of El Fasher.
4. Tens of thousands of displaced individuals have escaped to Tawila, around 60 kilometers away, and across the border into Chad.
5. An estimated 80,000 refugees from North Darfur, many of whom originated from ZamZam, have sought shelter in Chad, where conditions remain extremely challenging.
6. Those who remain in or near ZamZam are effectively trapped, with the camp now serving as an RSF barracks.
7. Movement is restricted, and residents are unable to leave freely.
8. The main threats in the area include violence, sexual violence, hunger, and disease.
9. Displaced populations face acute food insecurity, insufficient shelter, and outbreaks of diseases such as hepatitis E in refugee camps in Chad.
10. Most of those displaced are women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
11. Humanitarian organizations struggle to reach those displaced by the violence.
12. Many who fled to El Fasher remain trapped and out of reach of aid.
13. New arrivals at border areas in Chad stretch already overwhelmed services.
14. Repeated attacks on healthcare facilities led Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) to end medical activities in El Fasher and ZamZam camp.
15. This has left survivors of violence, illness, and hunger without access to essential medical care.
16. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and other agencies are providing life-saving assistance.
17. They are working to relocate refugees to more stable camps away from overcrowded border sites.
18. Ongoing insecurity and limited resources severely hamper these efforts.
19. Mathias Mogge, Secretary General of Welthungerhilfe, has commented on the new refugee figures, calling them a "dramatic wake-up call."
20. Welthungerhilfe offers disaster relief, reconstruction, and long-term development cooperation projects.
21. However, funding for humanitarian aid is being significantly reduced, posing a risk to human lives.
22. Most refugees find refuge in neighbouring countries, which are often struggling with poverty and unstable structures.
23. Humanitarian aid is vital for survival, and the reduction in funding could exacerbate the already dire situation.
24. The number of violent conflicts has doubled in the last 10 years, leading to an increase in chronic diseases such as cancer and respiratory conditions.
25. Workplace-wellness programs can help manage these conditions by promoting fitness and exercise, nutrition, and mental health support.
26. Environmental science plays a crucial role in understanding the impact of climate change on digestive health, eye-health, hearing, and skin-conditions.
27. Scientific advancements in therapies and treatments can help manage chronic diseases, autoimmune disorders, and neurological disorders.
28. Investment in healthcare, education, and climate change mitigation is essential for a sustainable future, where people can live healthy, productive lives, regardless of their location or circumstances.

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