UN says $1 billion needed to support people fleeing Sudan this year

The UN on Monday more than doubled its aid appeal to assist nearly two million people expected to flee conflict-torn Sudan by the end of this year amid soaring needs.

The United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) said it and partners were appealing for $1 billion "to provide essential aid and protection to over 1.8 million people expected to arrive in five neighbouring countries by the end of 2023, fleeing ongoing conflict in Sudan".

"This is a two-fold increase of what was initially estimated in May to be required to respond to the crisis, as displacement and needs continue to soar," UNHCR said in a statement. The agency had initially appealed for $445 million for the regional refugee response this year, and already hiked the estimate twice prior to Monday's announcement.