UN Acknowledges Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan and Highlights Africa’s Water Management Initiatives
Over 10 million people have been displaced in Sudan due to conflict since April 2022, with ongoing humanitarian aid efforts facing challenges. The UN Deputy Secretary-General is on a mission in West Africa to assess SDG implementation. Côte d’Ivoire has joined a UN treaty to improve cross-border water management, marking a significant step for sustainable cooperation in Africa.
In recent updates from the United Nations, a stark report indicates that over 10 million individuals in Sudan have been displaced due to ongoing conflict that began in April 2022. The UN spokesperson, Stéphane Dujarric, highlighted that this displacement, described as a “grim milestone,” accounts for approximately 20 percent of Sudan’s population being forced from their homes within a mere 15-month period. Currently, nearly eight million of these individuals remain within Sudan, with a significant portion being children. Additionally, more than two million have sought refuge in neighboring countries, which are themselves grappling with humanitarian challenges. Efforts are underway by the humanitarian community in Sudan to provide assistance to those in need. The UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) has recently reported delivering aid to around 2,000 families displaced in East Darfur, while the World Food Programme (WFP) has also provided food aid to over 120,000 internally displaced individuals in South Kordofan. Nonetheless, Dujarric warned of ongoing obstacles faced by aid organizations in the country, such as severe insecurity, limited access, and insufficient funding. He urged international donors to fulfill their financial pledges, noting that only 30 percent ($820 million) of the required $2.7 billion for the Humanitarian Response Plan has been secured thus far. On another front, UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed commenced a mission to West Africa, beginning in Senegal, where she aims to assess the region’s progress in meeting Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Following the SDG Summit held at the UN Headquarters in September, Ms. Mohammed engages with high-level officials including President Bassirou Diomaye Faye, discussing key transitions needed for achieving the SDGs related to food systems, renewable energy, and the digital economy. Her tour will also cover Guinea and Mali, culminating in a session in Ethiopia regarding financing for development. Lastly, Côte d’Ivoire has taken a significant step by joining the UN Water Convention, thereby becoming the 53rd party to this important treaty. It marks Côte d’Ivoire as the 10th African nation to commit to enhancing cross-border water management. The country faces considerable challenges, including urbanization and climate change impacts, which threaten its water resources. The accession is seen as a pivotal move for promoting sustainable development and addressing increasing water scarcity across Africa. The next meeting of the convention’s parties is scheduled for October in Ljubljana, Slovenia.
The article provides an overview of critical humanitarian challenges faced in Sudan due to conflict, emphasizing the high levels of displacement among the population, particularly among children. It sheds light on the role of the UN and other organizations in addressing these issues. Additionally, it discusses the efforts of UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed to promote Sustainable Development Goals in West Africa and highlights Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to improved water management through its accession to the UN Water Convention. The combination of these elements illustrates the UN’s engagement in addressing both immediate and long-term developmental and humanitarian needs in the region.
In summary, the UN reports alarming levels of displacement in Sudan, where millions suffer from the consequences of ongoing conflict. Efforts to provide humanitarian aid continue, yet challenges remain due to funding shortages and insecurity. Meanwhile, initiatives led by the UN Deputy Secretary-General in West Africa aim to bolster progress towards the Sustainable Development Goals. Additionally, Côte d’Ivoire’s recent agreement to join the UN Water Convention signifies a promising commitment to addressing shared water resource management challenges in Africa. Collective and sustained international support will be essential to overcoming these pressing challenges.
Original Source: news.un.org
