The UN calls on the Security Council to protect Sudanese civilians as conflict escalates, causing acute hunger for 24.6 million people and displacing 12 million. OCHA highlights severe humanitarian needs and calls for immediate international action, as violence continues in key areas, including North Darfur and Khartoum. A $6 billion response plan is proposed to assist millions affected by the crisis.
A senior official from the United Nations has urged the Security Council to prioritize the protection of civilians in Sudan as the conflict between rival military factions approaches its second year. Edem Wosornu, from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), underscored the urgent need for action to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese population, describing the situation as a dire humanitarian crisis.
The ongoing fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has led to severe food insecurity, affecting 24.6 million individuals, while over 12 million people have been forcibly displaced, including 3.4 million fleeing to neighboring countries. The health infrastructure has largely collapsed, millions of children remain out of school, and incidents of sexual violence have surged.
In her briefing, Ms. Wosornu highlighted alarming trends in North Darfur, particularly in the Zamzam displacement camp and surrounding areas. Despite the Security Council’s Resolution 2739 (2024) aimed at protecting civilians, reports indicate that residents continue to face violence, and famine conditions have been confirmed in the camp. The use of heavy weaponry has been documented, exacerbating civilian distress.
Reports of fierce fighting in Khartoum also persist, contributing to a concerning climate for local responders and humanitarian workers. The situation has led to summary executions of civilians, particularly in regions that have changed hands. Additionally, recent conflict spread into new areas in North and South Kordofan states raises further concerns for humanitarian access and safety.
In response to the escalating crisis, Ms. Wosornu noted that a humanitarian response plan for Sudan aims to mobilize $6 billion to support approximately 25 million Sudanese and five million refugees in the region. She emphasized that the international community, especially members of the Security Council, must intensify efforts to address this humanitarian emergency.
Wosornu concluded with three essential requests: firstly, for the Security Council and influential member states to ensure compliance with international humanitarian laws to protect civilians; secondly, to facilitate unrestricted humanitarian access; and lastly, to address the significant funding shortfall to meet the unprecedented needs of the Sudanese population.
In summary, the situation in Sudan has reached critical levels due to prolonged conflict and resulting humanitarian crises. The UN calls for urgent international action to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and address funding shortages for extensive relief efforts. Only through collective commitment can the suffering of millions be alleviated and stability restored in the region.
Original Source: news.un.org
