The United Nations warns that over 600,000 people in Sudan are nearing starvation due to an escalated famine crisis amid ongoing conflict. Human rights chief Volker Turk emphasized the urgency for immediate action, citing the suspension of aid operations as violence intensifies. Nearly 30 million people require assistance, with health systems collapsing and disease outbreaks worsening, leaving millions vulnerable to food insecurity and health crises.
The United Nations has issued a grave warning regarding the escalating famine crisis in Sudan, stating that over 600,000 individuals face imminent starvation. UN human rights chief Volker Turk emphasized the urgency of the situation during a recent address at the Human Rights Council, noting that famine has already gripped five regions, including the Zamzam refugee camp in North Darfur. Operations by the World Food Programme (WFP) and Doctors Without Borders have been suspended due to intensifying violence.
Turk cautioned that without decisive intervention, Sudan risks plunging further into chaos, with potential famine impacts spreading to additional areas in the coming months. He characterized the situation as the “world’s largest humanitarian catastrophe,” emphasizing the need for immediate action to halt the ongoing conflict and facilitate emergency aid delivery. The violence has already resulted in significant humanitarian crises, with millions displaced and in need of urgent care.
Recent military confrontations have dramatically hindered aid efforts, culminating in the suspension of WFP and MSF operations in Zamzam, where approximately 500,000 individuals have sought refuge. Prior to the suspension, WFP was successful in feeding around 300,000 residents, though recent hostilities have drastically reduced the number of individuals they could reach this month. Furthermore, satellite imaging revealed increased heavy weapon use in the camp area, exacerbating the strife.
The war, which erupted in April 2023, has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties and has prompted a significant displacement crisis, affecting over 12 million people. Turk highlighted that the continued power dynamics among the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) may deepen societal divisions and fuel further violence. Approximately 30.4 million people require assistance, with severe strains on healthcare infrastructure, as many facilities are non-operational amid a disease outbreak involving cholera.
Cholera cases have surged, particularly in White Nile state, leading to numerous fatalities and infections. Disruptions in essential services following armed conflicts have impeded access to clean water, worsening public health. Save the Children has reported these detrimental effects, indicating that Sudanese children are ensnared in an ongoing vicious cycle of violence and despair.
In conclusion, Sudan is confronting an unprecedented humanitarian disaster, with rampant famine and disease threatening the survival of millions. Urgent action is essential to address the needs of those impacted by the conflict, with the UN urging immediate assistance to stabilize the region. The ongoing violence complicates aid delivery, posing dire consequences for the already vulnerable populations. As humanitarian organizations evaluate the deteriorating situation, it is clear that international cooperation and immediate response strategies are critical to prevent further deterioration and potential mass fatalities.
Original Source: www.aljazeera.com
