Sudan: Reports of Shocking Atrocities and Humanitarian Crisis – OCHA Briefing | United Nations

Sudan continues to endure relentless violence and widespread displacement, as the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) recently reported shocking levels of suffering endured by civilians. After 18 months of escalating conflict, the UN and humanitarian agencies are urging immediate action to address the humanitarian crisis. The conflict, which has caused extensive civilian casualties, rampant human rights abuses, and unprecedented displacement, is rapidly deteriorating the country’s food security, infrastructure, and healthcare.

The Human Cost of Conflict: Civilian Casualties and Atrocities

In its latest briefing, OCHA highlighted the severe toll the Sudanese conflict has inflicted on civilians. Heavy fighting has devastated populated areas, leading to alarming reports of civilian deaths, with the violence showing no sign of abating. Reports from Al Jazer State reveal mass killings and horrifying incidents of sexual violence, particularly affecting women and girls who face increased vulnerability due to displacement, hunger, and a lack of protection.

According to OCHA, this targeted violence has become a grim hallmark of the Sudanese conflict, putting women and girls at the forefront of this humanitarian tragedy. As civilians attempt to flee, they risk crossing dangerous conflict zones or reaching borders where resources are limited, heightening their exposure to violence and exploitation. With millions uprooted from their homes, Sudan now faces the world’s largest displacement crisis.

Displacement Crisis: The World’s Largest in Recent History

The displacement crisis in Sudan has reached staggering proportions. Since the conflict’s escalation in April 2023, over 11 million people have been forced to flee, with nearly three million seeking refuge in neighbouring countries, primarily Chad and South Sudan. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), approximately 400,000 people were displaced in Sudan’s El Fasher locality alone in the past six months. 

In October, intensified fighting in West Darfur led over 58,000 Sudanese to cross into Chad, bringing the total number of new arrivals to over 710,000. Meanwhile, South Sudan has received more than 836,000 refugees since the crisis began, 600,000 of whom are Sudanese returnees, according to the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR). For these displaced individuals, conditions are precarious, with limited access to shelter, food, and medical care.

Food Insecurity and Malnutrition: A Growing Hunger Crisis

In addition to violence and displacement, Sudan is facing a rapidly worsening hunger crisis. The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) reported that in June 2023, over 750,000 Sudanese were living under famine-like conditions, with acute food insecurity impacting millions more. In conflict-affected regions like North Darfur, Al Jazer, and Khartoum, the situation is dire. According to the IPC, nearly 34% of children in the Zamzam displacement camp are malnourished, with 10% severely malnourished. 

The country’s ongoing conflict has disrupted supply chains and hindered humanitarian access, exacerbating food shortages. OCHA’s representative, Mr Ramesh Rajasingham, expressed grave concern about the deteriorating food security across Sudan, highlighting that the famine conditions witnessed in Zamzam are beginning to spread to other regions.

Barriers to Aid: Restricted Humanitarian Access

The delivery of humanitarian aid is severely constrained by conflict and bureaucratic obstacles. Many areas, especially those affected by intense fighting, are either completely cut off or accessible only after navigating extensive administrative procedures, delaying aid for weeks. The Adré crossing from Chad has provided a lifeline to over 1.3 million people, with over 308 trucks carrying food and essential supplies arriving in Sudan over the past three months. However, the reliance on this single route underscores the urgent need for additional, reliable aid corridors.

Roads and routes critical for aid delivery remain fraught with challenges. Recent fighting along routes from Port Sudan has further hindered efforts to reach conflict zones, preventing the flow of food and medical supplies to areas in critical need. OCHA called for humanitarian pauses to ensure safe passage for civilians and the swift delivery of aid to these severely impacted regions. This call for secure access highlights the importance of negotiation between conflicting parties and the need for internationally supported peace mechanisms.

Urgent Call to Action: A Global Responsibility

The United Nations has urged the international community, particularly the UN Security Council and influential member states, to take immediate and coordinated action. According to UN officials, addressing the Sudanese crisis demands an urgent focus on protecting civilians, securing reliable humanitarian access, and providing flexible financial support. Moreover, humanitarian organisations, already strained by the logistical and financial demands of this crisis, require immediate funds to scale up relief efforts.

Secretary-General António Guterres has consistently advocated for a cessation of hostilities in Sudan, urging all parties involved to uphold international humanitarian law. The ongoing violence, Mr Guterres warns, risks creating a cascade of regional instability if left unchecked. OCHA’s appeal emphasises the need for member states to address both the immediate humanitarian needs and to take steps towards a durable peace process in Sudan.

A Path Forward: Addressing the Root Causes of Suffering

In conclusion, the Sudanese conflict remains one of the world’s most pressing humanitarian crises. With an estimated 18 million people in urgent need of aid, the crisis is multi-faceted, encompassing human rights violations, food insecurity, displacement, and restricted access to healthcare. Immediate action is essential to provide life-saving assistance, but long-term stability will require addressing the root causes of the conflict, fostering dialogue between opposing parties, and supporting Sudanese institutions in rebuilding.

OCHA’s call to the international community is a stark reminder of Sudan’s precarious future. As one of the largest humanitarian crises of our time, the situation demands sustained attention and cooperation. Peace in Sudan is not only necessary for the country but also for regional stability. Only through a committed, comprehensive response can we hope to mitigate the suffering of Sudan’s people and create a pathway towards sustainable peace.

Aric Jabari is a Fellow, and the Editorial Director at the Sixteenth Council.