Conflict in Sudan has reached alarming levels, with over 24 million people impacted by hunger and 12 million displaced. UN aid officials have called for urgent action by the Security Council to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian access as violence escalates. Recent reports highlight ongoing atrocities, particularly in North Darfur and Khartoum, stressing the need for significant international support to address the crisis effectively.
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to severe humanitarian challenges, compelling a senior UN aid official to urge the Security Council to enhance civilian protection and ensure full humanitarian access as the violence nears its second anniversary. Edem Wosornu of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) stated that the relentless fighting has caused immense suffering, affecting 24.6 million people who are now facing acute hunger.
Alongside the food crisis, more than 12 million individuals are displaced, including 3.4 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Essential healthcare services have collapsed, educational disruptions have left millions of children out of school, and increasing incidents of sexual violence plague affected areas. Disturbing developments, particularly in North Darfur, reveal that civilians, including humanitarian workers, are experiencing grave dangers, with attacks persisting despite a UN resolution aimed at protecting them.
Recent reports indicate escalating violence in the Zamzam displacement camp and its surroundings, where famine has been confirmed. Satellite imagery has shown evidence of heavy weaponry usage, worsening conditions for the civilians residing there. In Khartoum, fierce fighting has resulted in verified reports of summary executions, further endangering local responders and community volunteers as violence spreads into additional areas of southern Sudan.
The humanitarian response plans launched recently call for $6 billion to assist nearly 25 million people in Sudan, along with refugees in neighboring nations. Immediate action is necessary from the international community, especially members of the Security Council, to alleviate the ongoing crisis. Ms. Wosornu emphasized the need for compliance with international humanitarian law and highlighted the pressing necessity for unhindered access to deliver aid effectively.
In conclusion, the scale of needs in Sudan has reached unprecedented levels, necessitating extraordinary international support and flexible funding. The urgent call to action focuses on safeguarding civilians, facilitating humanitarian access, and addressing the severe funding shortfall to mitigate the escalating humanitarian crisis in the region.
The humanitarian situation in Sudan remains critical as relentless conflict exacerbates civilian suffering. The international community, particularly the Security Council, faces the pressing responsibility to protect civilians, ensure humanitarian access, and mobilize unprecedented support to address the mounting needs. Without immediate and coordinated action, the dire conditions may further deteriorate, threatening millions of lives.
Original Source: news.un.org
