‘Sudan is an Atrocities Laboratory,’ UN Aid Chief Tells Berlin Conference

Countries have reportedly pledged over $1 billion at the third International Conference for Sudan, co-hosted by Germany, the African Union (AU), the European Union (EU), France, and the United Kingdom.

Senior UN officials delivered remarks, including humanitarian affairs chief Tom Fletcher, who described Sudan as an “atrocities laboratory,” citing sieges of cities like El Fasher in Darfur, denial of food, use of sexual violence as a weapon of war, and targeting of schools and hospitals.

Civilians and aid workers killed

“Drones have killed 700 people just this year, and 130 humanitarians have been killed over three years,” he continued.

“I often have to call the families of those who died, and they always ask, did our family members die in vain?”

The war that began exactly three years ago between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and former allies the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created the world’s worst humanitarian and displacement crises.

Approximately 34 million people – two-thirds of the population – require humanitarian assistance. Nearly 14 million people have been displaced, 19 million are going hungry, and about 10 million children are out of school.

Gulf crisis impacts

“The Middle East conflict is adding a layer to this challenge,” said Mr. Fletcher, noting rising costs for food and fuel, as well as a 25 per cent increase in freight.

“Half of Sudan’s fertilizer comes from the Gulf, and we’re approaching the main growing season in April and May,” he added.

The UN and partners seek $2.2 billion to reach 14 million people across the country this year, within an overall target of 20 million.

He emphasized the need to “keep access routes open,” referring to the Adre border crossing from eastern Chad – critical for aid delivery to millions in the Darfur region – while calling for more safe routes into the Kordofans and Blue Nile state.

“We’ve got to expand our footprint in Darfur,” he added, noting that 93 staff are now in the region – a threefold increase since October.

‘This nightmare must end’: Guterres

UN Secretary-General António Guterres thanked the international community for coming together once again in solidarity with the people of Sudan.

“This nightmare must end,” he said in a video message. “That requires unity and urgency.”

He insisted that civilians must be protected, humanitarians must be able to safely carry out their life-saving work, and aid operations must be fully funded.

“But let’s be clear: funding alone cannot substitute for peace,” the Secretary-General said.

“An immediate cessation of hostilities is essential. External interference and the flow of arms that fuel this war must finally end. And a credible path must open toward an inclusive, civilian-led political process that reflects the aspirations of the Sudanese people.”

Accountability for atrocities

UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk stressed that “we need urgent joint action to hold those responsible to