The UN reports that conflict in Sudan has caused immense suffering, with over 24 million people facing acute hunger and 12 million displaced amid worsening humanitarian conditions. Urgent action is needed to protect civilians and provide humanitarian access as fighting continues. A $6 billion humanitarian response plan has been launched, emphasizing compliance with international law and addressing funding needs.
The situation in Sudan has reached a dire level due to prolonged conflict, necessitating urgent action to protect civilians and ensure unrestricted humanitarian access. Edem Wosornu, a senior official from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), expressed to the Security Council the urgent need for intervention as the war between rival military factions nears its second year.
The ongoing clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have precipitated widespread suffering, impacting over 24 million individuals who are now experiencing acute hunger. Additionally, more than 12 million people have been displaced, with a significant number crossing borders to seek safety. The humanitarian crisis has worsened as health services collapse, educational systems fall into disarray, and incidents of sexual violence rise.
Recent developments in North Darfur and Khartoum highlight the alarming conditions faced by civilians. Despite the passage of Resolution 2739 (2024), which called for the cessation of hostilities, civilians in North Darfur continue to face attacks. The situation in the Zamzam displacement camp has deteriorated; famine conditions have been reported amidst intensified violence.
In Khartoum, ongoing fierce fighting has directly affected civilians, with verified reports indicating summary executions in neighborhoods experiencing shifts in control. The safety of humanitarian workers and local responders remains precarious, with reports emerging of fighting spilling into new regions in southern Sudan, raising further complications for humanitarian efforts.
A recent humanitarian response plan for Sudan seeks $6 billion to alleviate the suffering of nearly 25 million individuals within the country and an additional five million refugees in neighboring nations. Ms. Wosornu urged the international community, particularly the Security Council, to take decisive steps to ameliorate the situation, emphasizing compliance with international humanitarian law.
Three fundamental requests were articulated for the Security Council: firstly, to enforce compliance with international humanitarian law to protect civilians; secondly, to facilitate unhindered humanitarian access; and thirdly, to address the significant funding shortfall necessary to meet Sudan’s unprecedented needs.
The protracted and escalating conflict in Sudan necessitates immediate, collective action from the global community to ensure the safety and well-being of millions of affected individuals. Addressing the humanitarian crisis through effective measures will be critical in mitigating the suffering being endured by the vulnerable population in the region.
The alarming humanitarian crisis in Sudan, characterized by grave suffering and displacement, underscores the urgent need for international intervention. The call for enhanced protection of civilians, unhindered humanitarian access, and significant financial support highlights the scale of the crisis. It is imperative that the global community responds promptly and comprehensively to alleviate the dire conditions faced by millions in Sudan.
Original Source: news.un.org
