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During a recent briefing in New York, UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric expressed deep concern regarding the conditions faced by civilians escaping the Zamzam camp and the severe humanitarian crisis unfolding around El Fasher in North Darfur.
Reports indicate the emergence of famine-like conditions in multiple displacement camps, including Zamzam. However, essential relief efforts have been hampered due to increasing insecurity and persistent violence.
Since April 2023, Sudan has been mired in a devastating civil war involving the military and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). This ongoing conflict has resulted in thousands of casualties and has displaced over 12.6 million people, with more than 3.8 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, according to UNHCR.
Reports of Violence
Dujarric highlighted troubling reports detailing serious protection challenges, including arbitrary detentions and intimidation at RSF-controlled checkpoints.
Local informants have noted a significant escalation of hostilities in the vicinity of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, displacing tens of thousands in recent weeks.
He emphasized the necessity of adhering to international humanitarian law and urged all involved parties to safeguard civilian lives.
In various regions, officials in Northern State have noted the influx of displaced individuals from Zamzam and Al Malha in North Darfur, as well as from Omdurman, which is close to Khartoum.
According to Dujarric, many displaced individuals are finding refuge in poorly constructed shelters, while others are relying on the hospitality of family and friends. These individuals are facing severe food shortages, with many subsisting on just one meal per day, lacking sanitation, clean water, and shelter.
Continued Humanitarian Needs in Myanmar Post-Earthquake
Following the catastrophic earthquakes in Myanmar one month ago, over six million people are urgently in need of assistance, as revealed by the UN’s aid coordination office, OCHA. Many remain hesitant to return to their damaged homes.
In the hardest-hit areas, at least 55,000 homes have been destroyed or severely damaged, leaving families to live in makeshift shelters vulnerable to adverse weather and heightened risks.
Aftershocks have compounded fears, further discouraging communities from attempting to return to their residences, as noted by OCHA.
The humanitarian response has so far reached more than 600,000 individuals with clean water, sanitation, and hygiene support. Furthermore, nearly 500,000 people received food assistance, and over 115,000 were provided with emergency shelter and essential supplies.
Dujarric stated, “This is a critical moment for the response. Additional and quick disbursement of resources and sustained access to all communities are vital to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further,” calling for support from donors.
UN Trust Fund Provides Essential Support to Victims of Exploitation
In a separate report, Dujarric announced that over 4,300 victims of sexual exploitation and abuse tied to UN personnel received essential support last year through a dedicated Trust Fund.
The fund aims to address significant gaps in assistance for victims, offering critical psychological, medical, and legal services.
Additionally, it supports income-generating initiatives for survivors and children born to UN peacekeepers.
Awareness campaigns about misconduct risks are being conducted among up to 89,000 community members in nations including the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Guatemala, and South Sudan.
Since its establishment in 2016, the Trust Fund has garnered over $5 million through voluntary contributions from 25 Member States and withheld payments linked to substantiated allegations of exploitation and abuse by UN staff.
Dujarric reiterated the call for further financial support from Member States to continue this vital work.
Source
news.un.org