The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has reached a critical point as famine threatens millions, intensified by ongoing conflict and deliberate obstructions to aid. Nearly 18 million people are acutely hungry, with 3.6 million children suffering from severe malnutrition. The regions of Darfur, Kordofan, Aj Jazirah, and Khartoum are on the brink of famine.
Displacement and Escalating Violence
Sudan hosts the largest number of internally displaced people globally, with nearly 10 million uprooted from their homes. Additionally, 2 million people have fled to neighboring countries. The conflict has escalated, with horrific attacks on civilians, including sexual violence, and the targeting of hospitals and schools becoming increasingly common. In Al Fasher, over 800,000 civilians face the imminent threat of a large-scale attack, which could have devastating humanitarian consequences.
Humanitarian Aid Blocked
Despite immense needs, aid workers face systematic obstructions and deliberate denials of access by parties to the conflict. Since mid-December, movements across conflict lines to Khartoum, Darfur, Aj Jazirah, and Kordofan have been severely restricted. The closure of the Adre border crossing in February, the main route from Chad into western Sudan, has further limited aid to Darfur. Aid workers are frequently targeted, with reports of killings, injuries, harassment, and looting of supplies.
Dire Need for Immediate Action
In March and April, nearly 860,000 people in Kordofan, Darfur, and Khartoum were denied humanitarian aid. These deliberate hindrances violate international humanitarian law, leaving civilians without essential supplies. The outlook for food production in 2024 is grim, with a rapidly closing window to provide seeds to farmers before the main planting season ends and the rainy season begins. Immediate action is crucial to prevent widespread hunger and displacement.
Urgent Appeal from IASC Principals
The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC) Principals have issued an urgent appeal to the conflicting parties in Sudan:
- Protect civilians, refrain from attacks, and allow safe passage to safer areas.
- Facilitate unimpeded humanitarian access through all possible routes.
- Cease all actions obstructing humanitarian efforts.
- Simplify and expedite administrative procedures for aid delivery.
- De-escalate the situation in Al Fasher and implement a nationwide ceasefire.
- Stop human rights violations and hold perpetrators accountable.
Call for Increased Donor Support
Despite the severe crisis, donor support remains limited. As of now, only 16% of the $2.7 billion required has been received. The IASC urges donors to urgently disburse pledged funds and provide additional support to meet the humanitarian needs. With famine imminent, swift delivery of life-saving aid, including seeds for farmers, is essential.
The situation in Sudan is dire, with millions facing famine, displacement, and violence. Immediate and substantial action is needed to prevent a catastrophic humanitarian disaster. The clock is ticking, and the choices made now will determine the survival of millions.
