According to Clementine Nkweta-Salami, the Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, the last six months have resulted in immense hardship in Sudan and have resulted in over 5.4 million individuals being displaced from their homes.

The UN representative stated to reporters in Geneva that around 30,000 individuals are fleeing the ongoing conflict every day, with some leaving with only the clothes they are wearing.

Ms. Nkweta-Salami further stated that she has encountered mothers in Sudan who have expressed their struggle to locate the next meal for their children. She has also encountered families living in temporary shelters, facing difficulties in obtaining basic necessities such as food and water, and lacking access to healthcare. As a result, their children are unable to attend school and the primary earners of the family are unemployed.

The conflict has the potential to engulf the entire country.

According to a UN official, 24.7 million people, which is half of Sudan’s population, are in need of humanitarian aid and protection. The official also expressed concern about the effects of conflict, displacement, and disease outbreaks, stating that they pose a threat to the entire country.

In the previous month, the United Nations and its collaborators transported 3,000 tonnes of essential aid materials through 66 trucks across six states. However, Ms. Nkweta-Salami emphasized the need to increase our capacity for safe, frequent, and efficient delivery. She stated, “Our goal is to reach 18 million individuals and we are determined to achieve it.”

Harvests under threat

On April 15, there were confrontations between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, involving the use of heavy weapons and airstrikes. The fighting began in Khartoum and Darfur, but there are worries that it may also escalate to Gezira state, which is known for its agricultural production.

“This could have significant impacts on food security,” she stated, acknowledging that the violence has severely hindered Sudan’s healthcare system, resulting in 70% of hospitals being rendered non-functional.”

Humanitarian advocates are equally troubled by reports of a rising number of incidents involving sexual and gender-based violence, forced disappearances, unjust imprisonment, and serious violations against the rights of adults and children.

Controlling cholera is extremely difficult.

The ongoing war in Sudan has resulted in the loss of thousands of lives, including 19 aid workers. Additionally, the recent heavy rains and floods have further impacted the people, with over 70,000 individuals affected in seven states. This has raised concerns about an increase in waterborne illnesses.

A state of emergency has been announced in the eastern region of Gedaref due to a cholera epidemic. Humanitarian efforts are underway to determine if the outbreak has also affected Khartoum and South Kordofan.

Ms. Nkweta-Salami stated that due to the increasing violence, it may be extremely difficult to maintain control. She urged the opposing sides to renew their commitment to previous promises of reducing violence, reducing harm to civilians, and avoiding any excessive attacks.

to reach people in need

Humanitarian workers are going above and beyond to reach those in need.

According to a UN representative, providing assistance in a conflict zone is incredibly complex, hazardous, and takes a lot of time. This often requires negotiating with different armed factions to reach isolated communities.

Despite the difficulties, she persisted in saying that aid groups were increasing their efforts to reach the most susceptible communities in Sudan.

“We have a dedicated team of humanitarian workers on the field, striving to expand our capabilities in reaching inaccessible areas. If all parties involved in this conflict make a sincere commitment and follow through with decisive action, we can hope to prevent any further loss of lives among humanitarian workers.”

This information is from the United Nations News.