Sudan is facing a severe humanitarian crisis due to its civil war, now in its third year, with over 30 million people needing aid and massive displacements. The UN is set to launch an appeal for $4.2 billion to support humanitarian efforts amidst escalating violence, including high levels of acute food insecurity and widespread suffering among civilians, particularly vulnerable populations like women and children.
Sudan is facing one of the most catastrophic humanitarian crises globally due to its ongoing civil war, which is entering its third year. The conflict has led to widespread malnutrition, massive displacements, and a deteriorating security situation. The United Nations is preparing to launch a record funding appeal of $4.2 billion to support humanitarian efforts in the country, which currently faces the largest displacement and humanitarian crises in the world.
The conflict in Sudan has disrupted the anticipated peace process, which initially showed promise at the end of 2022. Key disagreements remained, especially concerning the integration of the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, whose tensions culminated in violent clashes in early 2023. The civil war escalated dramatically with the RSF’s assault on Khartoum in April, compelling UN agencies to relocate to Port Sudan for safety.
Humanitarian conditions are dire, with more than 30 million people needing assistance—over two-thirds of the population. The war has triggered economic collapse, soaring prices for essential goods, and a significant food security crisis. Currently, half of Sudan’s population faces acute food insecurity, and famine conditions have been reported in several locations. “This is a critical moment,” said Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan regarding the rising malnutrition rates.
The scale of displacement is overwhelming, with over three million refugees and nearly nine million internally displaced individuals, surpassing Switzerland’s entire population. Displaced persons experience increased vulnerability, severe limitations on resources, and inadequate access to basic services, with diseases rampant in refugee camps. According to UNHCR, Sudan’s crisis ranks as “the largest as well as the fastest growing displacement crisis globally.”
Since the onset of the conflict, over 18,800 civilians have been killed, and violence has escalated sharply, particularly in the South Kordofan and Blue Nile states. Many civilians, including aid workers, face targeted violence. As Edmore Tondhlana from OCHA highlighted, women and girls are disproportionately affected, suffering from sexual violence and abductions, highlighting the tragic toll on vulnerable demographics in the conflict.
The shortage of adequate funding severely hampers the UN’s ability to respond effectively to the crisis. The appeal for funding aims to meet record humanitarian needs, estimated at $4.2 billion, with an additional $1.8 billion required for support in neighboring countries. “We are trying to reach 21 million people, which is essentially $200 per person for the year, or around $0.50 per day,” noted Mr. Tondhlana, underscoring the immense challenge amidst escalating humanitarian needs.
In summary, Sudan’s civil war continues to generate significant humanitarian challenges, characterized by mass displacement, acute hunger, and endangered civilians, particularly women and children. With over 30 million needing aid and a funding appeal of $4.2 billion, the situation demands urgent attention. The UN and international agencies face daunting obstacles in addressing the overlapping crises while striving to protect the rights and lives of those affected.
Original Source: news.un.org
