UN Highlights Deteriorating Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan Amid Conflict
The UN warns that the humanitarian crisis in Sudan is worsening due to escalating conflict between SAF and RSF. Funding cuts threaten aid, leading to increased food insecurity and displacement. The country requires urgent international support to address these critical humanitarian needs.
The United Nations continues to express grave concerns regarding the deteriorating humanitarian situation in Sudan, exacerbated by escalating conflicts between the Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). Stéphane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN Secretary-General, indicated that cuts in humanitarian funding have severely worsened the crisis and reiterated the urgent need for a ceasefire to alleviate suffering and facilitate aid deliveries.
As violence intensifies, thousands of Sudanese citizens have been compelled to abandon their homes, resulting in a burgeoning internal refugee crisis. A notable attack on March 3, in North Darfur, forced more than 23,000 individuals to flee their communities, highlighting the urgency of the situation.
Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the Humanitarian and Resident Coordinator in Sudan, conveyed deep concerns regarding potential disruptions to aid due to recent funding cuts from government donors. If these cuts persist, millions of Sudanese may lose access to vital services such as food and healthcare. Nkweta-Salami characterized the potential funding suspension as “abrupt” and emphasized that it coincides with a time of critical need, as half the population now faces food shortages and diseases like cholera and hepatitis threaten displaced communities due to inadequate sanitation.
Nkweta-Salami further noted the significance of ongoing humanitarian assistance, which has been crucial for over 15.6 million people in the past year. With the demand for aid set to increase dramatically, she pointed out that only 6.3 percent of the necessary funding is currently available. Therefore, she implores foreign donors to reassess their aid withdrawal and calls on other governments, charities, and private donors to provide essential funding for humanitarian efforts.
The African Union identifies the humanitarian crisis in Sudan as one of the most severe currently facing the region. Recent months have witnessed heightened international concern following the escalation of armed conflicts, leading to the suspension of numerous humanitarian programs. In February, the UN human rights chief cautioned against a potential famine crisis, while the UN World Food Programme temporarily halted food support at a refugee camp due to ongoing fighting between RSF and Sudanese forces.
In summary, the ongoing conflict in Sudan has led to an alarming humanitarian situation, with increasing numbers of internal refugees and severe food insecurity. The cuts to humanitarian funding threaten to exacerbate the crisis, depriving millions of necessary aid. Urgent action is required from international donors and organizations to restore funding and support crucial humanitarian missions to aid the struggling population of Sudan.
Original Source: www.jurist.org
