GENEVA, Switzerland: The United Nations has raised alarms about the deteriorating situation in Sudan, where the 16-month civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has reached a critically dangerous level.
In a statement released ahead of peace talks in Switzerland the UN expressed grave concerns over the escalating humanitarian crisis.
Othman Belbeisi, the IOM Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, emphasized the severity of the crisis in a report published on August 12. Belbeisi warned, “Make no mistake, these conditions will persist and worsen if the conflict and restrictions on humanitarian access continue.” He highlighted the urgent need for a coordinated global response to prevent tens of thousands of preventable deaths, describing the situation as a “catastrophic, cataclysmic breaking point.”
The US State Department, in an update from August 14, reported on the peace talks in Geneva, noting that Secretary of State Antony Blinken met with SAF leader Abdel Fattah al-Burhan. The aim of these negotiations is to reach an agreement to alleviate the suffering in Sudan.
The UN’s latest report reveals that over 10.7 million people are in urgent need of safety amid the conflict. The report outlines severe human rights violations, including ethnic targeting, massacres of civilians, and gender-based violence. Additionally, 11 of Sudan’s 18 states have been hit by devastating floods, exacerbating displacement and damaging infrastructure, further impeding humanitarian aid access.
Food insecurity is rampant, with many individuals lacking basic necessities such as clean water, shelter, medical services, and safety. The crisis has led to thousands of deaths, extreme resource shortages, and the displacement of over eight million people.
Humanitarian organizations are urgently seeking donations to continue their efforts. The World Food Program’s Sudan fund aims to combat famine, while the UN’s Refugee Agency provides essential aid, including food, medicine, and clean water. Women and Women International focuses on supporting women exposed to sexual violence, offering food, feminine hygiene products, and other critical support.
