Conflict in Sudan has led to severe humanitarian crises, with millions facing hunger and displacement amidst ongoing violence. The UN has urged the Security Council to take action to protect civilians and ensure unhindered humanitarian access. Recent reports highlight escalating violence, particularly in North Darfur and Khartoum, complicating aid delivery. A $6 billion humanitarian response plan for 2025 has been launched to assist those affected.
During a recent briefing to the United Nations Security Council, Edem Wosornu, a senior official from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), stressed the dire need for enhanced protection of civilians in Sudan as the country nears two years of intense conflict. She articulated that the ongoing violence has inflicted severe hardship on approximately 24.6 million individuals suffering from acute hunger and left over 12 million displaced.
Highlighting the alarming situation in North Darfur and Khartoum, Ms. Wosornu reported ongoing attacks on civilians, particularly in areas like the Zamzam displacement camp, where famine conditions are evident. Despite a previous resolution mandating the cessation of hostilities, reports have indicated an escalation of violence, further jeopardizing the safety of civilians and humanitarian workers who cannot evacuate the area during intense fighting.
Furthermore, the conflict has spread to new regions, impacting the safety of civilians and complicating the efforts of humanitarian personnel to deliver aid effectively. In southern Sudan, there are indications of fighting extending to North and South Kordofan states, while White Nile state has also witnessed a concerning rise in atrocities against civilians in recent weeks.
In light of the escalating crisis, the UN has initiated a comprehensive humanitarian response plan for 2025, which seeks to raise $6 billion for assisting up to 25 million individuals in Sudan and approximately five million refugees in neighboring states. Ms. Wosornu called upon the international community and Security Council members to act decisively to address these urgent humanitarian needs.
She specified three primary requests to the Security Council: first, the necessity for compliance with international humanitarian law to protect civilians; second, the demand for unhindered access for humanitarian aid; and third, a call for unprecedented international mobilization and flexible funding to meet Sudan’s overwhelming needs.
In summary, the UN has emphasized the urgent need for international intervention to protect civilians affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan. With millions facing hunger, displacement, and violence, the call for humanitarian access and funding support has never been more critical. It is essential that the Security Council and global community respond promptly to mitigate this humanitarian crisis.
Original Source: news.un.org
