Martin Griffiths, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator, stated in Geneva that 25 million people, which is half of Sudan’s population, require humanitarian aid.

He stressed that a significant number of those requiring assistance were minors, and that 18 million individuals were facing severe food insecurity during one of the largest displacement and protection emergencies in the world.

The appeal consists of two main parts: a $2.7 billion plan to address humanitarian needs and provide aid to 14.7 million people in Sudan, and a $1.4 billion plan to support 2.7 million people in five neighboring countries as part of the Regional Refugee Response Plan.

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) will oversee the relief efforts in Sudan, while the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) will take charge of the regional initiative.

Pervasive conflict

The ongoing dispute between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has spread to crucial areas, such as Gezira state, the major source of food for the country, causing worries about famine.

Mr. Griffiths stated that if famine were to occur in Sudan, it would not be the first time. This would only add to the ongoing issues of violence, displacement, and lack of political progress. He believes that if this were to happen, it would show a lack of humanity within us all.

Recent evaluations show that 66% of Sudanese people do not have access to healthcare, and there are about 19 million children who are not enrolled in school.

Since the outbreak of the conflict in April, it is estimated that more than 13,000 individuals have lost their lives and over 10 million have been forced to flee their homes.

Far reaching implications

The head of UNHCR, Filippo Grandi, discussed the impact of ignoring the crisis during a recent meeting with displaced families in Sudan and Ethiopia. He emphasized the ripple effects on the region, as those who have already fled Sudan are now attempting to reach Libya, Tunisia, and eventually Europe.

Mr. Grandi cautioned European nations that failure to address this crisis may result in what we refer to as secondary movements.

The leader of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) discussed the significant effects of urban destruction on the middle class in Sudan, specifically on those who had their lives abruptly disrupted.

There is no place to return to.

The High Commissioner for Refugees stated that while individuals are eager to return home and continue their daily routines, they are also increasingly cautious.

“When questioned about returning after a ceasefire, individuals consider the possibility of a genuine peace and the absence of the militia forcibly displacing them from their homes,” he stated.

Mr. Grandi emphasized the message he has conveyed and will continue to convey to both military leaders: You are losing support from your own people. What is the point of fighting if you do not have a population to govern?

Source: news.un.org