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As conflict continues unabated and humanitarian access remains severely restricted, the situation in Sudan has escalated into one of the globe’s most pressing crises, according to the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR). The organization raised alarm bells this past Monday, noting the grim anniversary marking two years since the outbreak of hostilities.
“This represents a mournful milestone,” stated Mamadou Dian Balde, UNHCR Regional Director for East Africa, indicating the profound consequences of the ongoing violence.
The consequences are dire, with significant human rights violations and widespread displacement affecting millions.
A humanitarian catastrophe
The conflict, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has led to a severe humanitarian disaster.
Over half of the Sudanese population, approximately 25 million individuals, now require urgent humanitarian assistance and protection. However, a lack of funding coupled with rampant insecurity has left many areas inaccessible to aid.
The UNHCR is operating a $1.8 billion Regional Refugee Response Plan for 2025, aiming to assist 4.8 million refugees and their host communities, but funding remains critically low at just 10 percent. Mr. Balde emphasized the impact this shortfall has on basic services like food, shelter, education, and healthcare.
“Communities with scarce resources are sharing what little they have with refugees, showcasing an incredible spirit of solidarity,” he noted, while urging global support for the vulnerable populations.
Thousands of lives at risk
In Sudan, hunger levels have reached alarming heights, with confirmed famine in 10 areas and an additional 17 areas at risk, according to the UN World Food Programme (WFP). In many regions, emergency food assistance is the sole protection against starvation. Yet, aid operations are severely hampered by ongoing violence and insufficient funding.
“Without immediate aid in famine and at-risk areas, countless lives hang in the balance,” warned Makena Walker, WFP Acting Country Director for Sudan. “We can increase our efforts, but we require all parties to ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian convoys.”
Children hit hardest
The impact of the crisis is disproportionately affecting children.
According to the UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF), there has been an alarming 83 percent surge in child casualties this year compared to early 2024. These children face heightened risks of sexual and gender-based violence and coerced recruitment into armed factions, in addition to suffering educational setbacks.
Moreover, it is anticipated that around 146,000 children will experience severe acute malnutrition this year, increasing their mortality risk by up to 11 times compared to well-nourished peers.
A public health emergency
The conflict has also precipitated a public health crisis, with over 20.3 million people in urgent need of medical attention. Cholera, measles, malaria, and dengue fever are rapidly spreading across two-thirds of the country, with cholera alone accounting for more than 1,500 fatalities.
This health crisis unfolds against a backdrop of a healthcare system on the verge of collapse; 38 percent of hospitals in the most affected regions are non-operational, and those that remain are only partially functional, as reported by the UN World Health Organization (WHO).
The number of reported attacks on healthcare facilities has surged, with 156 verified incidents in the last two years leading to a significant number of casualties among healthcare workers and patients.
“The humanitarian situation in Sudan is as much a health and protection crisis as it is a famine crisis,” stated Shible Sahbani, WHO Representative in Sudan. While the organization strives to enhance health access across the country, recent reductions in funding have necessitated scaled-back operations, potentially jeopardizing critical health services.
If funding does not materialize, out of 4.7 million people in need of health interventions this year, many will face consequences. Services at 335 healthcare facilities will likely be reduced, including crucial trauma and emergency care.
Working against the odds
UN humanitarian agencies and their partners remain committed to reaching vulnerable communities with essential assistance.
Since the commencement of hostilities, the WFP has reached over 13 million individuals with food and nutrition support, while the WHO has provided health services to over one million people, treating 75,000 severely malnourished children and vaccinating 11.5 million children against polio and measles.
Despite these efforts, aid workers continue to express concerns over the rapidly deteriorating situation, particularly in regions like Darfur as well as parts of Khartoum and Al-Jazirah, where ongoing violence and sieges are obstructing access to relief.
Mr. Balde reiterated the critical need for international intervention to restore peace, asserting, “We call for an end to hostilities, enhanced protection, and sustained support – only then will normalcy return, allowing refugees to come back home.”
Source
news.un.org