UN Emergency Relief Coordinator Tom Fletcher stated that Sudan remains a test that the world is failing, as the international community gathers in Berlin to work towards ending the ongoing war.
The conflict that began on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces has left nearly 34 million people, or 65% of the population, in urgent need of humanitarian assistance.
Displacement Crisis
Around 14 million people have been displaced, with nine million seeking refuge within the country and 4.4 million fleeing to neighboring countries like Chad, Egypt, and South Sudan. These countries are now at a breaking point, according to UNHCR.
Nearly four million have started returning home, only to find destruction and a lack of basic services, as noted by Zoe Brennan of the UN migration agency IOM.
No Resolution in Sight
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is intensifying with no resolution in view, according to a World Food Programme official. Famine conditions persist in parts of the country, exacerbating the struggle for food and survival.
Ross Smith of WFP highlighted the dire situation, where families have no coping mechanisms left, with many parents skipping meals for their children.
Regional Impacts
The famine in Darfur and the Kordofans is worsened by global instability and conflict in the Middle East, such as the Iran war disrupting shipping routes and increasing costs for essential imports.
This has caused a surge in fuel prices, affecting the costs of staple goods and pushing more people into hunger.
Impact on Women
According to UN Women, the war in Sudan is also a war on women and girls. The need for support related to sexual and gender-based violence has risen drastically from 3.1 million in 2023 to 12.7 million.
Anna Mutavati of UN Women emphasized the pervasive use of sexual violence in the conflict.
Children Suffering
UNICEF’s Eva Hinds described the worsening conditions for children, with over 4,300 killed or injured since the war began and many more affected by drone attacks.
Drone strikes are causing significant child casualties and damaging crucial infrastructure, disrupting aid efforts, as explained by James Reynolds of the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Diplomatic and Aid Efforts
UN Secretary-General António Guterres continues to call for a ceasefire and humanitarian access, while Personal Envoy Pekka Haavisto engages in diplomatic efforts.
Humanitarians aim to support 20 million people this year, though funding remains critically short of the $3 billion required.
Fletcher calls for immediate action to halt violence, protect civilians, and fund the humanitarian response.
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