Saireen addresses the high-level side event on the regional refugee crisis in Sudan and its neighbors

Geneva - Interior Minister, Lt. Gen. Khalil Basha Saireen, addressed this morning at the United Nations Palace in Geneva the high-level side event on the regional refugee crisis in Sudan and neighboring countries, under the theme "Development Investments to Strengthen Response," organized on the sidelines of the Executive Committee meetings of the High Commissioner for Refugees.

In his speech, Minister Saireen stressed the crucial role of development agencies in addressing the pressing humanitarian challenges caused by the war instigated by the Janjaweed militia, which has led to the internal displacement of over 10 million Sudanese. He highlighted that the burden of hosting these displaced populations primarily falls on already vulnerable host communities, which are struggling with fragile economies and critical living conditions. He called on development organizations to invest in key infrastructure sectors such as agriculture, livestock, education, and health, while also supporting small and medium-sized enterprises to foster self-reliance among refugees and displaced persons.

Saireen addresses the high-level side event on the regional refugee crisis in Sudan and its neighbors

Saireen also urged the European Union and all governments that imposed sanctions on Sudan and froze development support to reconsider these policies, which primarily harm the Sudanese citizens. He pointed out that politicizing development aid is ineffective and will only complicate the already complex situation. He noted that if the situation continues as it is, these 10 million displaced people will be forced to migrate or seek asylum. The event was attended by a range of international dignitaries, including ministers from South Sudan, the Norwegian Deputy Minister of Development, representatives from donor countries and neighboring states, the permanent representative of the Arab League, and officials from key development organizations such as the World Bank, the United Nations Development Program, and the United Nations Human Settlements Program.