Sudan's IDP crisis part of growing problem

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GENEVA, Switzerland, Nov. 26 (UPI) -- The Sudanese government is called on to find a durable solution to an internal refugee crisis that's undermining peace and stability, a U.N. official said.

Chaloka Beyani, a rights expert at the United Nations, issued a statement on his findings from a nine-day visit to Sudan. He met with government officials, tribal leaders and members of civil society to discuss crises facing the internally displaced.

The independent Sudan Tribune reports Monday that airstrikes last week along the border of Sudan and South Sudan forced at least 900 people to flee their homes.

"I urge the government of Sudan to adopt a comprehensive approach to durable solutions, which facilitates voluntary returns as well as local integration and resettlement," Beyani said.

Officials told the Tribune that the South Sudanese military was on high alert following last week's strikes.

South Sudan last year gained independence as part of a peace deal that ended the Sudanese civil war. Border disputes have threatened the agreement, however.