Since the conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) broke out in April last year, more than 13,000 people are feared to have been killed and over 10 million driven from their homes. Alongside mass displacement and severe hunger, Sudan has seen a 500% increase in verified cases of killings, sexual violence and recruitment into armed groups compared to a year ago.
The war has spread to critical regions, including the Country’s breadbasket State of Gezira, raising fears of famine. Speaking at a press briefing on 9 February at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) spokesperson James Elder highlighted the fact that Sudan is facing the largest displacement of children in the world, with four million affected. For the past 300 days, an average of 13,000 children a day have been displaced, resulting in loss of security, and possessions, separation from family and friends, and diminishing hope. 700,000 of them are at risk of severe acute malnutrition.
With the funds available, and without improved access and additional support, UNICEF would be unable to treat more than 300,000 children, potentially resulting in tens of thousands of deaths.
A joint appeal from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) was launched on 14 February, calling for an increase in international efforts to help the people of Sudan and Sudanese refugees, as only four per cent of the $2.7 billion needed to address the whole situation is currently funded.
Read the full report on the UN News website
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On the cover photo illustration, the United Nations International Children’s Emergency Fund (UNICEF) logo seen displayed on a smartphone ©rafapress/Shutterstock.com
