The UN Security Council was informed of the dire humanitarian crisis in Sudan, where nearly two years of conflict have led to acute hunger affecting over 24 million people and displacement of 12 million. Edem Wosornu of OCHA urged immediate action for civilian protection, unhindered humanitarian access, and substantial international funding. Recent developments highlight grave conditions in North Darfur’s Zamzam camp and ongoing violence in Khartoum and southern regions.
During a recent briefing to the Security Council, Edem Wosornu of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasized the dire situation in Sudan, where nearly two years of conflict have resulted in extreme suffering. She called for immediate action to protect civilians and grant unhindered humanitarian access as the brutal conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces nears its second anniversary.
Wosornu highlighted that over 24.6 million people in Sudan are facing acute hunger, with more than 12 million individuals displaced, including approximately 3.4 million who have sought refuge in neighboring countries. Essential health services have collapsed, many children remain out of school, and there has been a persistent pattern of sexual violence.
The briefing noted alarming developments, particularly in North Darfur’s Zamzam displacement camp, where heavy fighting continues and famine conditions have been confirmed. Wosornu pointed out that civilians, including humanitarian workers, have been severely affected; some have been killed amidst escalating violence, notably in the vicinity of Zamzam.
Continuing violence in Khartoum has also raised concerns, with reports of summary executions verified by the UN Human Rights Office. The situation is further worsening in southern Sudan, as fighting spreads in North and South Kordofan states, complicating humanitarian efforts and endangering civilians.
Wosornu recalled the recent launch of the 2025 humanitarian response plan for Sudan, which aims to raise $6 billion to assist nearly 25 million people within the country and an additional five million refugees in neighboring nations. She urged the international community, especially Security Council members, to prioritize mitigating the ongoing crisis.
Wosornu concluded her address with three primary requests to the Security Council and influential Member States: 1) take immediate action to enforce international humanitarian law and protect civilians; 2) ensure that commitments for unhindered humanitarian access are fully implemented; and 3) address the unprecedented funding shortfall required to meet Sudan’s vast humanitarian needs.
The briefing to the Security Council underscores the urgent need for proactive measures to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. With millions at risk of starvation and displacement, enforcing international humanitarian law and facilitating access for aid are paramount. Enhanced international support and funding are critical to addressing the unprecedented scale of suffering faced by the Sudanese people.
Original Source: news.un.org
