Sudan conflict leaves 11.3 million forcibly displaced, UNHCR figures show

Credit: UNHCR

The conflict in Sudan has forced about 11.3 million people from their homes since fighting erupted in April 2023, according to figures published by the U.N. refugee agency and governments in the region.

The displaced population includes about 6.4 million people internally displaced within Sudan and 4.6 million refugees, asylum-seekers and returnees in neighboring countries and elsewhere, according to the UNHCR situation update dated Aug. 24, 2026.

The crisis has triggered large population movements into South Sudan, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda, Libya and the Central African Republic, placing additional pressure on countries already hosting significant refugee populations.

UNHCR said people fleeing Sudan urgently need water, food, shelter, health services and other essential relief items. The agency identified the registration of new arrivals, relocation away from border areas and identification of vulnerable families and people with specific needs as priority activities.

The response also includes measures to prevent and respond to sexual violence and provide alternative care for unaccompanied refugee children, UNHCR said.

The latest figures show continued movement across Sudan’s borders, with 943,869 total new arrivals recorded in the regional response.

In South Sudan, the update recorded 1,368,153 Sudanese refugees, alongside other refugee and returnee populations.

UNHCR noted that the figures do not include third-country nationals who are not seeking asylum. It also cautioned that refugee-returnee figures may include people previously registered as refugees in Sudan and others who may not have been registered.