Sudan: The Cost of Inaction, September 2024

SITUATION IN SUDAN

For over 16 months, the people of Sudan have endured the humanitarian impact of the devastating conflict – and there is no end in sight. As fighting, hunger and disease close in, more than half of the population is now in need of humanitarian assistance, including 13.6 million children. Localized famine conditions were confirmed in Zamzam camp for internally displaced people in North Darfur State. Thousands more are likely experiencing similar conditions in 13 other areas at risk of famine that were listed in the IPC analysis released in June 2024. Sudan is facing the worst levels of acute food insecurity in its history with a staggering 26 million people in acute hunger, including some 755,000 on the brink of famine. The situation is especially critical for people trapped in conflict-affected areas, particularly Aj Jazirah, Darfur, Khartoum and Kordofan. In addition, over 10 million people have fled their homes since the conflict broke out in April 2023, making Sudan the world’s largest internal displacement crisis. This includes more than 5 million children – and over 2 million people who have crossed into neighbouring countries. Basic services have all but collapsed; less than 25 per cent of health facilities are functioning in the worst-affected areas. National vaccination coverage dropped from 85 per cent before the war to around 50 per cent. In active conflict zones the rates are averaging at 30 per cent. Civilians continue to suffer horrific abuses. Indiscriminate attacks, ethnically motivated killings, and other atrocities have become the gruesome hallmark of this conflict. Thousands of children have been killed or injured, and countless more exposed to grave protection risks including sexual violence and recruitment or use in the conflict. Women and girls are also particularly exposed, especially to conflict-related sexual violence. About 6.7 million people need GBV services, while 17 million children are out of school. Most conflict-affected areas now face large-scale explosive hazard contamination.