The Sudan conflict has become one of the worst humanitarian crises of the 21st century, leaving millions of women, children and displaced people struggling with violence, food insecurity and the collapse of essential services.
As the war enters its third year, UN humanitarians warn that immediate action is essential.
“This is not a conflict, a flood or an earthquake, but a result of a disruption to access humanitarian assistance by political parties in the conflict,” Sean Hug, regional emergency coordinator for the United Nations World Food Program (WFP), told New York journalists via video links from Nairobi.
Brutal Wars Between Rivals – The Sudanese Army (SAF) and Paramilitary Speedy Support Forces (RSF) have already claimed tens of thousands of lives and have displaced more than 12.4 million people, including over 3.3 million in neighboring countries.
“During the third year of the war, tens of thousands more will die in Sudan unless they have access and resources to reach those in need,” Hugues warned.
Half of the population facing hunger
According to WFP, about half of Sudan’s population (25 million) faces extreme levels of hunger, including around 5 million children and mothers suffering from acute malnutrition.
The war that began on April 15, 2023 demimed critical infrastructure, leading to widespread food shortages, and became the only place in the world currently classified as experiencing hunger.
Hunger is confirmed in at least 10 locations in Sudan, including the Zamzam Camp, which has 400,000 displaced people (IDPs). Over the next few months, another 17 areas are at risk.
“The scale of what’s unfolding in Sudan threatens to warp much of what we’ve seen over the past few decades,” Hugues said.
Woman, girl at extreme risk
Women and girls face unprecedented vulnerability, with more than 80% of hospitals in the conflict zone being non-operating, with many people not receiving critical health care.
Furthermore, cases of conflict-related sexual violence remained highly underreported, UN women warned that “evidence indicates systematic use as a weapon of war.”
“Sudan women endure the most serious forms of violence, particularly sexual violence,” said Anna Mutabati, UN Regional Director of Women in East and South Africa.
“Their strength is extraordinary, but they cannot and should not be left to navigate this crisis alone.”
Fragile benefits
Despite the challenges, humanitarians are making progress. WFP support has tripled since mid-2024 as teams access the new area.
UN Women support over 15,000 women in some of the worst affected areas and provide training in critical services and skills. It also helped set up a safe space for women and girls to access shelter and protection.
“But these benefits are fragile and still only a small part of the needs,” Hugues said.
Competition with time
In addition to fighting, physical access is a major challenge.
As the rain approaches, many routes are not allowed to pass, complicating the provision of aid, he said.
“Access is needed. We need to be able to quickly move humanitarian assistance wherever we need it, across front lines, across borders, within contested areas, and in the places we need it,” he said.
Hugues also highlights the urgent need for fundraising, noting that WFP is already forced to reduce rationing by up to half of what is needed in some places.
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“Without funding, we are facing the choice to reduce the number of people receiving support or reduce the amount of support we receive,” he said, noting that the agency needs an additional $650 million to continue its business over the next six months.
Additionally, a programme that supports Sudan refugees in neighboring countries would cost $150 million.
Sudan needs peace
Hugues emphasized that more than anything, Sudanian people need peace.
“We will allow them to begin rebuilding their lives to end the ceasefire and hostilities,” he said.
Lined up, UN women emphasize the need to ensure that women’s voices are “amplified at all peace negotiation tables.”
“We encourage all stakeholders – the government, donors, the international community – to act decisively. Sudanese women deserve dignity to not only survive, but to rebuild and thrive,” Mutabati said.
