Sudan: Severe Humanitarian Deterioration and Rising Violations Against Civilians

The United Nations and humanitarian organizations have warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in Sudan, with rising hunger, disease, and a collapse of essential services. Human rights groups have also reported increasing violations against civilians amid the ongoing armed conflict.

Severe Funding Shortages for Aid Efforts

According to a UN statement, Sudan’s humanitarian crisis requires $6 billion in funding, yet only $252.6 million approximately 4.2% of the required amount has been secured.

Worsening Humanitarian Conditions

The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) estimates that more than 30 million Sudanese need urgent aid, with 24.6 million facing high levels of food insecurity. Among them, 3.7 million children under five, pregnant women, and nursing mothers require treatment for acute malnutrition. Additionally, diseases and epidemics have spread, and 17 million children remain out of school.

Hunger Crisis and Declining Food Assistance

Mahmoud Abdullah, a member of a youth group providing medical and food assistance in western Omdurman, highlighted the escalating hunger crisis. He stated that four out of five families rely on daily meals from charity kitchens, known as “Takaya,” whose services have declined by more than 70% due to funding shortages and skyrocketing food prices. Since the beginning of Ramadan, food costs have surged by 40%, following a staggering 300% increase since the conflict erupted in mid-April 2023.

Deteriorating Health Conditions

The deteriorating health and environmental conditions across Sudan have led to a sharp rise in deaths caused by disease. More than 5,000 malaria cases were recorded in Khartoum between January and February, surpassing epidemic thresholds. In Kosti, White Nile State, cholera deaths have exceeded 100 in the past two weeks alone. The worsening security situation has also hindered access to vital medicines and healthcare services.

Violations Against Medical Workers

The Sudanese Doctors’ Union has accused security forces of obstructing medical services, stating that several doctors and healthcare workers have faced violations that hinder their humanitarian efforts.

As the crisis deepens, Sudan urgently requires international support to address the growing humanitarian needs and protect civilians from ongoing violations.