Among the most vulnerable are children — many of whom have now spent two years of their childhood in displacement, deprived of safety, stability, and schooling.

In response to this prolonged crisis, SOS Children’s Villages in Sudan, in close coordination with the Red Sea State Ministry of Social Welfare, recently facilitated the voluntary return of 510 internally displaced persons (IDPs) — including children — from the Red Sea State back to their home state. While fighting continues in parts of Sudan, the city of Wad Madani — where the families are returning — has been declared safe.

“For many of these families, life in displacement was incredibly difficult,” says Limia Ahmed, Deputy National Director of SOS Children’s Villages Sudan. “They had been living in overcrowded shelters or temporary camps for over a year, with their children at constant risk and anxiety of what is next. By helping these families return home safely, we are not only restoring their hopes but also helping to keep families together — because in times of crisis, the presence of a parent is a child’s first and most important line of protection.”

The long road home

Originally from Al Jazirah State, the families had fled the violence of central Sudan to seek refuge in the Red Sea State. Located in northeastern Sudan along the Red Sea coast, the state has become a critical humanitarian hub during the conflict, hosting large numbers of displaced families due to its relative stability and functioning infrastructure.

But even there, they faced extreme challenges — poor sanitation, limited healthcare, malnutrition, and the trauma of prolonged uncertainty. Many parents expressed a deep longing to return home, believing that reconnecting with their communities and land was essential for their children’s future.

SOS Children’s Villages’ staff witnessed emotional scenes during the return journey. “Some parents were seen in tears,” recalls Ms. Ahmed, who was present to send off the families. “They were overwhelmed by the opportunity to return home.

“Parents shared their hope that returning to their communities would allow their children to regain a sense of stability and reconnect with their roots,” she says. “The return journey was marked by both joy and reflection, and a step toward healing after enduring the trauma of displacement.”

A fragile return

While improved security in parts of Al Jazirah has made voluntary return possible for some, challenges remain. Sudan’s social protection systems have been severely weakened by the ongoing conflict. Health services, schools, and livelihoods have been devastated, leaving returning families to rebuild from scratch.

“There is still a long road ahead for these families,” Ms. Ahmed says. “Many areas lack basic services, and national social protection systems are either severely disrupted or non-functional. Families are relying heavily on humanitarian support and community solidarity.”

World’s largest displacement crisis

This repatriation effort comes as Sudan faces the largest displacement crisis in the world today, with over 12 million people forced from their homes. While isolated returns like those to Al Jazirah are a hopeful sign, the wider context remains deeply unstable.

“Some parts of Sudan are beginning to see relative stability, allowing small numbers of families to return voluntarily,” explains Ms. Ahmed. “But for millions of others, returning home is not yet possible. We must not forget them.”

SOS Children’s Villages calls on the international community to urgently increase funding and support for humanitarian efforts in Sudan — not only to meet immediate needs but also to invest in long-term recovery and peacebuilding.

“The repatriation of these 510 individuals shows what is possible when humanitarian organizations, governments, and communities come together,” says Ms. Ahmed. “But it is just the beginning. The children of Sudan deserve more than survival — they have a right to a future built on security, education, and opportunity.”