David Lammy Voices Urgency for Sudan's Refugee Crisis After Ground Visit**

During a recent visit to the Chad-Sudan border, Foreign Secretary David Lammy witnessed the harrowing experiences of refugees fleeing violence in Sudan, urging global attention and immediate action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis.**

Every day, countless families traverse a barren and dusty path into Chad, desperately escaping a brutal civil war in Sudan. This traumatic reality struck an emotional chord with the UK’s Foreign Secretary, David Lammy, who ventured to the Adré border on an investigative mission to witness the profound consequences of the conflict. The civil war, which erupted when tensions flared between the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has left many families torn apart in chaos.

Lammy described his experiences as some of the most horrifying he has ever encountered, noting that the majority of those fleeing are vulnerable women and children. “Stories of widespread slaughter, mutilation, burning, and sexual violence permeate their narratives, alongside the agonizing threat of famine,” he stated, painting a grim picture of refugees’ arduous journeys to safety.

Among those who successfully crossed the border was a mother named Halima Abdalla, who found solace in her survival despite the heartbreaking loss of one child during her flight from Darfur. As many as 12 million people have vacated their homes since violence erupted in April 2023, revealing a humanitarian crisis that Lammy believes is overlooked. He urged global leaders to recognize the gravity of the situation, emphasizing the dire circumstances, including rampant malnutrition, evident in the alarming rates of child malnutrition in Adré.

While visiting refugee families and aid workers, Lammy revealed the stories of unimaginable pain and suffering he encountered, underscoring the urgency of humanitarian efforts and peace negotiations. Following his visit, he vowed to convene a meeting in London with neighboring countries and international partners to discuss pathways toward peace in Sudan.

Amid ongoing international aid discussions, worries are mounting about disruptions caused by the new U.S. administration’s decision to freeze foreign aid, which could have disastrous repercussions on the humanitarian efforts essential for the Sudanese people. As Lammy champions global contributions and awareness, he spots the stark contrast between the struggling displaced population in Adré and the unyielding reality of famine plaguing other regions in Sudan.

In a poignant closing, Lammy appealed, “We have to step up our responses and awaken to the scale of this crisis” - a resonating call to action for all nations in the face of an unfolding humanitarian catastrophe.