UN Security Council Urged to Address Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan
The UN Security Council received an urgent briefing on the catastrophic humanitarian situation in Sudan, where nearly two years of conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and paramilitary groups have resulted in vast suffering. Over 24 million people face acute hunger, and millions are displaced. Calls for immediate action, humanitarian access, and funding were emphasized by UN officials, particularly in light of recent atrocities and ongoing violence.
In a recent briefing to the United Nations Security Council, Edem Wosornu from the UN humanitarian affairs office (OCHA) reported the dire situation in Sudan as conflict between rival military factions nears its two-year mark. She emphasized the urgent need for improved protection of civilians and unfettered humanitarian access in the war-torn region. The ongoing violence has led to severe humanitarian crises, affecting millions across the nation.
The conflict has resulted in more than 24.6 million people facing acute hunger, while over 12 million individuals have been displaced, including 3.4 million refugees who have sought safety outside the country. Additionally, health services have deteriorated, millions of children are out of school, and incidences of sexual violence have tragically escalated.
Particular attention was drawn to the escalating violence in the Zamzam displacement camp and other areas of North Darfur and Khartoum. Despite previous Security Council Resolution 2739 (2024), intended to protect civilians, hostilities persist, especially with heavy weaponry reported close to the camp, exacerbating already desperate conditions including famine.
Furthermore, civilians continue to suffer from intense fighting in parts of Khartoum, with confirmed reports of summary executions as control of various regions shifts. Efforts to aid local responders and community volunteers face significant risks due to ongoing violence in the area.
Wosornu mentioned that the humanitarian crisis is expanding, with fighting now spreading to regions in North and South Kordofan, complicating the delivery of aid and increasing dangers for civilians. Reports from White Nile state indicate a troubling rise in civilian casualties due to renewed attacks.
As part of the international response, the 2025 humanitarian response plans have been launched, seeking $6 billion to assist nearly 25 million people within Sudan and support up to 5 million refugees in neighboring countries. Wosornu urged the global community, particularly the Security Council members, to actively work towards alleviating the crisis.
In concluding her remarks, Wosornu outlined three urgent actions for the Security Council: compliance with international humanitarian laws to protect civilians, implementation of commitments for unhindered access to aid, and significant mobilization of international support to meet unprecedented needs in Sudan.
The situation in Sudan is deteriorating, with millions facing hunger and displacement due to ongoing violence between rival military groups. The need for immediate action from the international community is critical to protect civilians and ensure humanitarian aid access. The call for substantial financial support is paramount as the ongoing conflict has resulted in unprecedented humanitarian needs affecting millions.
Original Source: news.un.org
