When Safety Is a Luxury: The Hidden Security Crisis in Refugee Camps

In the heart of Kiryandongo Refugee Settlement, where resilience meets desperation, a silent crisis is unfolding—one that doesn’t make the headlines, but haunts the daily lives of hundreds. On Saturday, May 17th, 2025, the Sudan Human Rights Association (SHRA) visited Cluster C of the camp, meeting with over 200 residents, including men, women, youth, and local leaders. What we found was deeply disturbing: safety, a basic human right, is now a distant dream for many.

During our three-hour dialogue, security emerged as the most pressing concern. Residents described terrifying experiences of armed robberies occurring not only under the cover of darkness, but shockingly, in broad daylight. Homes, the only sanctuary for many who have already lost everything to war, are being violated. Fear grips the community like a vice, leaving many unable to sleep or walk freely even during the day.

This is not just a matter of law enforcement. This is a humanitarian crisis.

The refugees of Cluster C have voiced these concerns repeatedly to responsible partners and agencies. But their cries continue to echo unanswered. The lack of response leaves these vulnerable communities exposed to persistent danger, further compounding the trauma they already carry from the wars they fled in Sudan and Darfur.

At SHRA, we believe that no one should have to live in fear—especially those who have already endured so much. Refugees deserve more than tents and rations; they deserve dignity, protection, and the assurance that their lives matter. Safety is not a privilege—it is a right.

Through this project, SHRA is calling on humanitarian actors, national bodies, and international stakeholders to prioritize camp security. We urge the strengthening of patrol systems, the establishment of responsive complaint mechanisms, and coordination with local law enforcement to ensure that the camps are safe havens, not danger zones.

We also emphasize the importance of psychosocial support for those impacted by ongoing violence. Trauma doesn’t end at the border. Many continue to suffer in silence, and the added burden of insecurity only deepens their wounds.

To those reading this: your support can help bring change. Whether through donations, advocacy, or sharing this story—every action matters. Together, we can make safety a reality, not a luxury, for the displaced families of Kiryandongo.

SHRA remains committed to standing with refugees, amplifying their voices, and demanding justice where silence has long prevailed. Because safety isn’t optional—it’s essential.

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