Geneva, June 24, 2026 (SUNA) — Sudan’s Permanent Representative in Geneva, Ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan, delivered Sudan’s statement on Wednesday at the opening session of the 38th session of the Standing Committee on Programmes and Finance of the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Ambassador expressed the Government of Sudan’s appreciation for the organization and its country office for their efforts in supporting those affected by the humanitarian and displacement crisis in Sudan. He reviewed accounts of atrocities and crimes that led to the forced displacement of populations since the outbreak of what he described as a proxy war launched by a rebel Rapid Support Forces (RSF) militia supported by a regional sponsor.  Ambassador Hassan noted that Sudan is currently witnessing increasing voluntary returns of citizens to their areas of origin, with more than 3.3 million internally displaced persons (IDPs) having returned, in addition to around one million Sudanese returning voluntarily from countries of asylum to Khartoum and other states. He highlighted government efforts to strengthen security and stability, restart facilities, and provide basic services despite limited resources and extensive destruction and systematic sabotage of strategic service infrastructure, which he said was carried out and continues to be carried out by the rebel militia. He called on the organization and international partners to provide necessary support to reinforce national efforts aimed at facilitating voluntary return and meeting the immediate needs of returnees. The Permanent Representative also drew attention to escalating challenges in parts of Kordofan, including continued targeting by the rebel militia of civilian infrastructure and vital facilities such as electricity and water stations, health facilities, and schools, aimed at destabilizing and displacing populations, thereby obstructing stability and early recovery efforts. He further addressed the situation of Sudanese nationals abroad, noting the risks and challenges associated with irregular status and exploitation by smuggling and human trafficking networks. He called on IOM to enhance protection, advocacy, assistance, support for voluntary return pathways, regular migration channels, family reunification, and opportunities for regulated migration and employment. Ambassador Hassan concluded by stressing that addressing the displacement crisis and achieving sustainable solutions requires tackling its root causes, foremost among them an immediate end to external interference and the cessation of military and financial support flowing to the rebel militia, including preventing the influx of weapons and mercenaries, alongside support for national efforts to restore peace, stability, and recovery.BH/BH