UN Official Urges Immediate Action to Alleviate Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
A UN aid official highlighted the severe humanitarian crisis in Sudan during a Security Council briefing, reporting that over 24.6 million people face acute hunger and numerous civilians have been displaced due to ongoing conflicts. With healthcare systems collapsing and rising violence, urgent global action is required to provide humanitarian assistance and protect civilians.
During a recent briefing to the United Nations Security Council, Edem Wosornu, a senior official from the UN humanitarian office, emphasized the dire situation in Sudan as it approaches the second year of conflict between rival military factions. Over the past two years, relentless fighting has ravaged the nation, leading to immense suffering for its citizens and transforming areas into veritable hellscapes.
Currently, more than 24.6 million people—over half the country—are suffering from acute hunger due to the ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The humanitarian crisis is exacerbated by the displacement of over 12 million individuals, including 3.4 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Essential health services have collapsed, millions of children are out of school, and widespread sexual violence is reported.
Focusing on recent developments, Ms. Wosornu reported alarming conditions in North Darfur and Khartoum. Civilians in North Darfur remain under constant threat, particularly in the Zamzam displacement camp, where famine conditions prevail. Satellite imagery confirms the deployment of heavy artillery in these areas, which has led to further civilian casualties, including humanitarian workers.
The violence has not been contained, as fierce fighting continues in Khartoum, where civilians face dire risks, including possible summary executions during territorial shifts. Reports indicate that the conflict is now spreading to South Kordofan and North Kordofan, intensifying threats to local populations and complicating humanitarian efforts.
Support for humanitarian operations is urgently needed given the scale of the crisis. The UN recently launched humanitarian response plans projecting a need for $6 billion to assist nearly 25 million individuals in Sudan and up to five million refugees in surrounding countries. Ms. Wosornu called upon the international community, particularly Security Council members, to exert maximum effort to mitigate this crisis.
In concluding her remarks, Ms. Wosornu articulated three critical requests to the Security Council and influential member states: first, ensure compliance with international humanitarian law to protect civilians; second, facilitate unhindered humanitarian access to those in need; and third, mobilize unprecedented international support to address Sudan’s unprecedented needs.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to a catastrophic humanitarian crisis, affecting millions through hunger, displacement, and violence. The UN official’s plea to the Security Council underscores the urgent need for effective intervention to protect civilians and provide humanitarian aid. Without immediate action, the situation in Sudan may deteriorate even further, necessitating a robust international response.
Original Source: news.un.org
