In a joint appeal to the United Nations and the international community, eight humanitarian organizations stated that the ongoing war in Sudan, now lasting over a year and a half, has turned life for residents trapped in conflict zones into “hell.”
According to the appeal issued by the Norwegian and Danish Refugee Councils, along with organizations like CARE, GOAL, Plan International, Relief International, Save the Children, and Solidarités International, efforts to curb the violence and end the suffering of Sudanese civilians have been insufficient.
The humanitarian disaster is worsening rapidly as the conflict has spread to 13 of Sudan’s 18 states. The intensity of the conflict has escalated in recent weeks, with violence reaching its highest levels since the fighting began in mid-April 2023.
This comes alongside a frightening surge in infectious diseases and soaring malnutrition rates among children. Hunger now affects 26 million people across the country, while approximately 34% of children suffer from malnutrition or acute malnutrition.
As the war drags on, those trapped in the conflict face daily bombardments, disease, and extreme hunger. The appeal particularly highlights the plight of children, with no signs of an end to the war in sight.
Air and ground bombings are increasing in brutality, and access to food, clean water, medicine, and healthcare is becoming increasingly difficult for the population.
According to the eight organizations, cities like El Fasher have become “hell on earth” for thousands of women, children, and other vulnerable groups.
Last month saw a significant escalation in hostilities, including aerial bombardments, putting the lives of 2.8 million people in El Fasher, North Darfur, at severe risk.
Humanitarian workers on the ground have shared tragic accounts of children dying under airstrikes or from shrapnel, while those who survive face the deadly threats of hunger and disease.
One worker from a child protection organization stated, “The children are anxious and constantly ask when the war will end.”
Another added, “Children tell us they want the conflict to stop because they don’t want any more of their friends to die.”
Save the Children reported that cholera-related death rates in Sudan have tripled the global average, putting thousands of children at risk as the number of infections rises. The conflict has crippled healthcare access, with over 80% of hospitals no longer operational.
Humanitarian organizations face a double crisis: they are working under highly dangerous conditions and are facing severe funding shortages. To date, the international community has provided only $1.3 billion—less than half of the $2.7 billion the United Nations has requested to meet the urgent needs of the Sudanese people.
