Sudan is grappling with enduring civil war, leading to over 30 million people requiring humanitarian aid and massive displacement surpassing the entire population of Switzerland. Despite efforts to secure funding, the situation is dire with ongoing violence, grave human rights violations, and a fragmented humanitarian response hampered by insecurity.
Sudan is in the midst of a devastating civil war, nearing its third year. This conflict has resulted in widespread malnutrition, enormous population displacement, and persistent insecurity. As the United Nations prepares to request a record $4.2 billion for humanitarian aid, Sudan is facing what has been termed one of the most severe humanitarian and displacement crises globally.
1) The War: Tensions escalated in early 2023, culminating in conflicts between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after the RSF launched an attack on Khartoum on April 15. The conflict quickly spread nationwide, forcing UN operations to relocate from Khartoum to Port Sudan. UN Secretary-General described Sudan’s situation as a catastrophic “scale and brutality” at a recent African Union meeting.
2) Humanitarian Crisis: Over 30.4 million people—more than two-thirds of Sudan’s population—rely on humanitarian aid, driven by an economic collapse that has made food and essential supplies unaffordable. Acute food insecurity is rampant, with millions confirmed to be facing famine conditions. UN Humanitarian Coordinator Clementine Nkweta-Salami emphasized the critical moment for food insecurity in South Kordofan and highlighted the continuous humanitarian efforts despite extreme security challenges.
3) Massive Displacement: The conflict has displaced over 12 million people, with more than three million as refugees and almost nine million internally displaced. This figure exceeds the entire population of Switzerland. The UNHCR has labeled this the largest and fastest-growing displacement crisis in the world, complicating efforts to provide food, resources, and services to those who have fled.
4) Insecurity: Since the conflict began, over 18,800 civilians have died. The violence is intensifying, with civilians facing airstrikes and shelling, primarily in South Kordofan and Blue Nile. Aid workers have also become targets, complicating humanitarian assistance. Reports by the UN highlight severe human rights violations, particularly affecting women and girls, with incidents of rape, abduction, and forced marriage rising during the conflict.
5) Funding Needs: The UN’s humanitarian response is facing critical funding shortages, with only minimal support provided to refugees and food ration cuts leading to increased food insecurity. An appeal for $4.2 billion is forthcoming to address the urgent needs of 21 million people—an estimated $0.50 per person per day, illustrating the dire need for financial support.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan continues to escalate as the civil war persists, leading to alarming levels of displacement and food insecurity. Both the UN and humanitarian organizations face monumental challenges in meeting the needs of millions affected by the conflict. Without sufficient funding and support, the situation for Sudanese civilians could worsen dramatically as violence and insecurity continue to take a toll on communities across the nation.
Original Source: news.un.org
