Sudan is facing one of the largest humanitarian crises globally due to a violent civil war, with over 30 million requiring assistance and millions displaced. A significant funding appeal of $4.2 billion is being prepared by the UN. Ongoing warfare exacerbates food insecurity, affects healthcare, and leaves women and children particularly vulnerable.
Sudan is currently enduring one of the most severe humanitarian crises globally, as its brutal civil war nears its third year. This ongoing conflict has devastated the country, resulting in malnutrition, vast population displacement, and heightened insecurity. The United Nations is preparing to request a historic funding allocation of $4.2 billion to support essential humanitarian efforts in a situation characterized by significant humanitarian and protection crises.
1) The War: The violence marked a sharp end to peace prospects following a UN-backed process aimed at establishing a civilian government after the downfall of Omar al-Bashir. Clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces ignited a civil war on April 15, 2023, when the RSF attacked Khartoum, prompting UN evacuations to Port Sudan due to escalated conflict. UN Secretary-General described the crisis as one of “staggering scale and brutality,” which threatens regional stability.
2) Humanitarian Crisis: The war has led to a catastrophic humanitarian situation, with approximately 30.4 million people, more than two-thirds of Sudan’s population, requiring urgent assistance for health, food, and other support. Economic collapse has caused essential goods prices to soar, exacerbating food insecurity, which affects over half of the population. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Clementine Nkweta-Salami stressed the urgency of the food crisis, highlighting rising malnutrition levels.
3) Massive Displacement: The conflict has resulted in one of the largest displacement crises globally, with over three million refugees and nearly nine million internally displaced persons, a number surpassing the entire population of Switzerland. Continuous violence complicates access to aid for displaced individuals, and many face severe shortages of food, water, and medical services. The UN and partner agencies are striving to provide necessary support despite daunting conditions.
4) Insecurity: Since the beginning of the conflict, over 18,800 civilians have lost their lives, with violence increasingly targeting both civilians and aid workers. In February alone, there was a notable spike in mortality rates due to ongoing hostilities. Notably, women and girls experience heightened vulnerabilities, facing increased threats of sexual violence and forced marriages. “If you look at the recent attack…the majority of victims were women and girls.” – Edmore Tondhlana, UN humanitarian office.
5) Funding Needs: The insufficient funds hinder the UN’s humanitarian response, leading to drastic cuts in food rations and support for refugees. The upcoming appeal perceiving a staggering $4.2 billion necessary for humanitarian responses in Sudan and an additional $1.8 billion for supporting refugee-hosting countries underscores the dire need. Mr. Tondhlana highlighted that reaching 21 million people translates to merely $200 per person for the year, equivalently around 0.50 cents daily.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan reflects an urgent need for intervention with staggering statistics on displacement, insecurity, and food insecurity. The ongoing civil conflict has severe impacts on civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. Increased funding and support from the international community are critical to alleviate the suffering of millions affected by this catastrophic situation.
Original Source: news.un.org
