Gedaref – The International Organization for Migration (IOM), has on 21 February officially inaugurated its new sub-office in Gedaref state as part of ongoing efforts to expand existing operations across Sudan and to respond to the increasing humanitarian needs in the country, particularly in the state of Gedaref.  

The new office, which complements existing IOM offices in nine other states in the country, aims to support activities in a number of critical areas related to migration management, peace building and social cohesion, community stabilization, border management, counter-trafficking and humanitarian assistance and resilience programming.

“IOM Sudan is proud to announce the opening of its new sub-office in Gedaref which will enhance closer cooperation with local partners and allow IOM to scale up its operations in the ground to meet the growing needs of the most vulnerable,” said Peter Kioy, IOM Sudan Chief of Mission during the official opening ceremony. “Through the new sub-office, IOM aims to reinforce its presence in the state and contribute to strengthening cohesion and resilience of communities against any future conflict, instability and disasters.”

Localized conflict, border tensions, and recurrent shock climatic events – including floods and droughts -as well as refugee influxes are among the main drivers of humanitarian needs in Gedaref state. According to the 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Needs Overview (HNO), an estimated 770,000 people, including refugees and vulnerable residents in the state of Gedaref, are in need of humanitarian assistance.

The inauguration of the new office was attended by the Deputy Governor of Gedaref state, the Humanitarian Aid Commissioner (HAC), Director General of the Gedaref Ministry of Health and Social Development, representatives from other United Nations agencies, local partners, and migrant community leaders.

The Deputy Governor of Gedaref, Mr. Tawfiq Muhammad Ali expressed his gratitude to IOM for the work provided already in the state, in the areas of health, water and border management and reassured the state government’s commitment to partner and cooperate with the organization.

IOM has been active in Gedaref state since 2004 and has been providing direct support and assistance to vulnerable migrants through its Migrant Resource Centre since its establishment in Gedaref in 2019. 

***

For more information, please contact Lisa George, Communications and Media Officer  at IOM Sudan,    Tel: +249 999 060 455  Email: lgeorge@iom.int or iomsudanmedia@iom.int