UN Urges Security Council to Address Crisis in Sudan as Conflict Deepens

The UN has called on the Security Council to protect civilians in Sudan as conflict worsens. Over 24 million people are suffering from acute hunger and 12 million are displaced. The situation in areas like Zamzam camp is dire, with ongoing violence and humanitarian access severely restricted. The UN seeks $6 billion for humanitarian aid and compliance with international norms.

In a recent address to the Security Council, a high-ranking official from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) emphasized the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan as the ongoing conflict nears its second anniversary. Edem Wosornu stated that the relentless hostilities have drastically worsened conditions, labeling many areas as a “hellscape.” She reported that over 24 million people face acute hunger and that more than 12 million are displaced, with 3.4 million having fled to neighboring countries. Additionally, the collapse of health services and the interruption of education for millions of children have exacerbated the crisis.

Ms. Wosornu highlighted urgent developments, particularly in North Darfur and Khartoum, noting the high incidence of violence against civilians. In Zamzam camp, where famine conditions are reported, intense fighting has displaced many individuals. Although the Security Council adopted Resolution 2739 demanding an end to attacks in El Fasher, Ms. Wosornu reported ongoing assaults and the use of heavy weaponry in these regions, resulting in substantial civilian casualties, including humanitarian workers.

The fighting continues to spread throughout Khartoum and into southern Sudan, significantly affecting civilian safety and further complicating humanitarian operations. Reports of summary executions in Khartoum and new violence in North Kordofan and South Kordofan indicate increasing risks. She also shared alarming accounts of assaults in White Nile state, highlighting the tragedy of civilian losses ensuing from this conflict.

In light of this escalating crisis, the launch of the 2025 humanitarian response plan calls for an unprecedented $6 billion to support nearly 25 million people in Sudan and additional aid for refugees in neighboring nations. Ms. Wosornu urged international bodies, particularly the Security Council, to take decisive action to alleviate the humanitarian disaster, emphasizing the need for compliance with international humanitarian law and the protection of civilians.

She articulated three essential requests to the Security Council: immediate actions to ensure compliance with humanitarian law, the necessity for unhindered access to humanitarian aid for those in distress, and addressing the severe funding shortfall. Ms. Wosornu concluded by stating the remarkable scale of need in Sudan calls for extraordinary global support and flexible funding to meet the urgent requirements of affected populations.

In summary, the UN has urged the Security Council to act decisively to protect civilians in Sudan as conflicts exacerbate suffering and displacement. With millions facing acute hunger and urgent humanitarian needs growing, the international community must prioritize action to ensure compliance with humanitarian principles, facilitate aid access, and mobilize sufficient funding to address the unfolding crisis.

Original Source: news.un.org