UN Security Council Holds Briefing on Sudan Crisis

The United Nations Security Council is holding a briefing today, Thursday, to discuss the situation in Sudan, focusing on the protection of civilians and the humanitarian consequences of the conflict, including its impact on healthcare.

UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) Secretary-General Christopher Lockyear will provide updates on the crisis. Sudan will also participate in the meeting under Rule 37 of the Council’s provisional rules of procedure.

Nearly two years after the conflict erupted on April 15, 2023, Sudan has faced a catastrophic humanitarian crisis. The war has resulted in a high number of civilian casualties, mass displacement, and severe shortages of food and water. Additionally, the healthcare system and essential services have collapsed, accompanied by grave violations of international humanitarian law.

The conflict has displaced approximately 12.8 million people, with around 3.7 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, including the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda.

Today’s meeting, convened by Denmark and the United Kingdom, is expected to highlight grave concerns over the rising violations against children in Sudan. According to a UNICEF report published on March 4, the number of documented grave violations against children in 2024 has increased by 16% compared to 2023, which had already seen a staggering 473% rise from 2022.

Speakers and several Council members are likely to stress the urgent need to protect civilians, particularly vulnerable groups such as women and children. They will also underscore the importance of accountability and justice for victims of violence.

The briefers are expected to emphasize that attacks on vital infrastructure, including healthcare facilities, have worsened the crisis. As of mid-February, the World Health Organization had recorded nearly 150 attacks on healthcare centers in Sudan since April 2023, though the actual number is believed to be much higher.

Council members will also highlight the deteriorating humanitarian situation and emphasize the need for urgent international action to alleviate the suffering of millions in Sudan. They are expected to call for an expanded humanitarian response to ensure that relief efforts match the scale and urgency of the crisis.