As intense fighting continues between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, UNICEF reports that in parts of North Darfur, over half of the children are severely malnourished. New data from the IPC indicates “catastrophic” malnutrition in Um Baru, Kernoi, and At Tine. UNICEF spokesperson Ricardo Pires highlighted the urgent threat to children under five, emphasizing that famine conditions are emerging where they weren’t anticipated. Conflict, displacement, and blocked access have led to starvation alerts across Sudan. Disease compounds the crisis, with many children in At Tine suffering from illnesses that become fatal due to malnourishment and inadequate healthcare. Pires urged the international community to focus on Sudan’s children, noting their dire situation.
Nearly three years into the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, 13.6 million have been displaced, including 9.1 million within Sudan. WHO’s representative in Sudan, Dr. Shible Sahbani, reported the dire state of healthcare, with attacks, damage, and shortages undermining services. Since April 2023, WHO verified 205 attacks on healthcare, resulting in thousands of casualties. These attacks, along with disease outbreaks like cholera and malaria, exacerbate the health crisis. Dr. Sahbani called for respect for international humanitarian law to protect healthcare workers and facilities, emphasizing that peace is essential for Sudan.
UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Türk warned of a potential repeat of human rights abuses in the Kordofan region, similar to those in El Fasher, North Darfur, last year, where thousands died. His spokesperson, Ravina Shamdasani, expressed concerns about external involvement in the conflict, including mercenaries and arms supply.
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