Sudan’s civil war has resulted in a severe humanitarian crisis, affecting over 30 million people and causing extensive displacement. UN funding appeals aim to address these urgent needs as violence escalates and humanitarian access is restricted. Women and children are particularly vulnerable in this conflict, highlighting the pressing need for international support.
Sudan continues to suffer from a devastating civil war that nears its third anniversary, resulting in severe malnutrition, widespread displacement, and ongoing insecurity. With the United Nations preparing to initiate a record funding appeal of $4.2 billion, it is crucial to understand the extent of the humanitarian and protection crises affecting millions of Sudanese citizens.
1) The war: Tensions between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) erupted into violence in April 2023 after failed peace talks that began in late 2022. Following the RSF’s attack on Khartoum, fighting spread quickly, leading to a UN evacuation and operations relocating to Port Sudan. At an African Union meeting, the UN Secretary-General described the conflict as a catastrophe of staggering scale.
2) Humanitarian crisis: The war has exacerbated a humanitarian crisis, impacting over 30 million people, which constitutes more than two-thirds of Sudan’s population. Economic collapse has caused food and fuel prices to soar, leading to acute food insecurity affecting over half of the population. The situation has turned dire, with famine conditions reported in North Darfur and the eastern Nuba mountains, requiring urgent humanitarian intervention.
3) Massive displacement: As a result of the conflict, Sudan has witnessed extensive displacement, with more than three million refugees and nearly nine million internally displaced individuals, exceeding the population of Switzerland. This displacement complicates aid delivery and heightens the risks faced by those fleeing conflict. Disease outbreaks, coupled with limited access to basic resources, further threaten the well-being of displaced populations.
4) Insecurity: Since the conflict’s onset, over 18,800 civilian casualties have been reported, as violence escalates across the country. The UN has documented severe human rights violations committed by both the SAF and RSF. Women and girls are particularly vulnerable, facing increased risks of sexual violence and abduction amid this turmoil, while teenage boys also suffer from heightened risks as they navigate frontlines.
5) Funding: Critical funding shortages hinder the UN’s humanitarian response, leading to insufficient aid for refugees and cut food rations. OCHA and UNHCR will soon announce a funding appeal of $4.2 billion to address humanitarian needs and an additional $1.8 billion for regions hosting refugees. This funding request highlights the urgent necessity for support in light of the dire conditions facing millions of Sudanese citizens.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, necessitating record funding to support aid operations. Millions are affected by acute food insecurity, massive displacement, and violence against civilians, particularly women and children. Humanitarian efforts continue despite significant challenges, emphasizing the urgent need for international assistance to address this unprecedented situation.
Original Source: news.un.org
