Ongoing violence in Sudan has resulted in the displacement of over 3 million people, half of whom are children, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and UNICEF. As the conflict continues, approximately 1.5 million children are living away from their homes, with around 13.6 million children in Sudan requiring urgent humanitarian assistance.
Since the outbreak of violence in April, UNICEF has provided health supplies to more than 3 million children and women, as well as safe drinking water to 1.4 million people. Nearly 100,000 children are attending safe learning spaces, including solar-powered centers. However, the situation remains dire, with millions of people displaced across all 18 Sudanese states, the majority having fled the capital city of Khartoum.
The UN Refugee Agency reports that more than 650,000 people have sought shelter in neighboring countries, further exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. In addition, a recent update from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) reveals that over 64,000 Sudanese individuals have recently crossed the border into Ethiopia. Aid workers are facing challenges due to heavy rainfall and difficult terrain, hampering their ability to provide timely support to those in need.
The violence erupted in Khartoum in mid-April and quickly spread to other parts of the country. The conflict involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group. Both sides have accused each other of initiating the conflict. Disagreements between the SAF and the RSF regarding the latter’s integration into the army have fueled tensions since a framework agreement was signed in December 2022.
The death toll from the violence has reached an estimated 3,000 to 5,000, with over 8,000 others injured. The situation remains dire, with millions of vulnerable individuals displaced and in need of urgent assistance.
The international community must continue to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan and work towards a peaceful resolution to the ongoing conflict. Providing essential aid, including healthcare, clean water, and education, is crucial to alleviating the suffering of the displaced population, particularly the millions of affected children. By addressing the root causes of the conflict and promoting dialogue among the involved parties, a sustainable solution can be achieved.
It is our collective responsibility to ensure that the voices of the affected individuals are heard, and their needs are met with compassion and urgency. The humanitarian crisis in Sudan demands international attention and concerted efforts to protect and assist the millions of displaced people who are currently suffering the consequences of this devastating conflict.
