South Sudanese refugees face tragic humanitarian conditions in Darfur

Over 39,000 South Sudanese refugees in Sudan's East Darfur State are living in tragic humanitarian conditions, Sudan Tribune reported on Saturday.

"Over 39,000 Southern Sudanese refugees, mostly women and children, have arrived in East Darfur State since last March," Al-Deif Iyssa Eleo, commissioner of Abu Jabra locality in East Darfur state, was quoted as saying.

"These refugees are living in very difficult humanitarian conditions after fleeing the war in their country," he noted.

He urged the national and international humanitarian organizations to provide food, medicines and drinking water, warning that the situation could worsen with the rainy season approaching and possible outbreak of diseases among the refugees.

Last March, the United Nations announced continuing flows of refugees from South Sudan, particularly towards East Darfur state.

East Darfur State, on the border with South Sudan, is considered a major crossing point for commodities from Sudan to the South Sudan.

According to the UN statistics, around 198,000 South Sudanese fled the violence in their country to Sudan.

The majority of refugees live in camps distributed in White Nile, East Darfur, West Kordofan and Khartoum States.

Last March 17, Sudan government decided to treat the South Sudanese nationals within its territories as foreigners, saying it would adopt legal procedures against those who do not have passports or entry visas.

Source: XINHUA