An airplane loaded with humanitarian supplies for people fleeing violence in Ethiopia's Tigray region has arrived in the Sudanese capital Khartoum, the UN refugee agency (UNCHR) said on Friday, in an appeal for international assistance to cope with the growing numbers seeking shelter in Sudan.

"This morning, a plane carrying 32 tonnes of UNHCR emergency aid from our global stockpiles in Dubai landed in Khartoum”, said spokesperson Babar Baloch. "Another airlift is scheduled to leave Dubai on Monday with an additional 100 tonnes of additional relief items…In total, we plan to send four airlifts.”

Growing exodus

Since the start of fighting in Ethiopia's northern Tigray region in early November, more than 43,000 refugees have crossed into Sudan.

On Tuesday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the unfolding situation, before urging “the leaders of Ethiopia to do everything possible to protect civilians, uphold human rights and ensure humanitarian access for the provision of much-needed assistance".

In a statement, the UN chief also called for the “free and safe movement of people searching for safety and assistance, regardless of their ethnic identity, across both national and international borders".

Seize the opportunity for a peaceful resolution

In a note to journalists released on Friday by the UN Spokesperson's Office, Mr. Guterres said he continuing to closely follow developments in the Tigray region, "as well as its regional impact". He welcomed the meeting between Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and the African Union Special Envoys on Friday, offering "the full support of the United Nations to the African Union initiative", urging the parties to "embrace this vital opportunity to peacefully resolve the conflict."

"The Secretary-General underlines the need to ensure the protection of civilians, human rights and access for humanitarian assistance to the affected areas and appreciates the statement by Prime Minister Abiy today reaffirming the Federal Government's utmost commitment to these obligations."

A million refugees

Before the unfolding situation, Sudan was already home to nearly one million refugees, mainly from South Sudan.

In eastern Sudan, UNHCR has continued to step up its relief effort, together with national and local partners. "Aid is being mobilized to help refugees, almost half of whom are children”, Mr. Baloch said, citing “complex logistical challenges".

To date, the agency has helped to relocate nearly 10,000 refugees to the Um Rakuba site, 70 kilometers inside Sudan, as work continues to put up shelters and improve services.

(With input from United Nations)