Aid system under pressure as needs continue to grow three years into Sudan war
Geneva, 14 April 2026 - 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'
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Geneva, 14 April 2026 - 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 Sudan