Sudan: World’s largest child displacement crisis

November 12, 2023 (KHARTOUM) – The United Nations has warned that Sudan is now home to the largest child displacement crisis in the world, with a staggering 3 million children forced to flee widespread violence.

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese army and paramilitary forces, which began in April 2023, has exacerbated the displacement crisis. Before the conflict erupted, there were already 3.7 million internally displaced people (IDPs) in Sudan.

Since the start of the conflict, nearly 5 million people have been displaced within Sudan, with the majority seeking refuge in South Darfur, River Nile, East Darfur, White Nile, Al Jazirah, Northern, and North Darfur states, according to an update released by UNOCHA on Sunday.

In addition to the internal displacement, at least 1.2 million people have fled Sudan since April 2023, seeking safety and protection in neighbouring countries, including the Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan.

The humanitarian crisis is further compounded by severe food insecurity. Sudan is one of the top four hotspots of highest concern for food insecurity, according to the Food and Agriculture Organization and the World Food Programme.

The revised 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan appeal, which seeks $1.6 billion to provide assistance to 4.3 million people, is only 33.8 per cent funded as of November 12.

In a briefing to the media from New York on November 10, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan said that funding of humanitarian operations in Sudan is a major issue.

The  United Nations humanitarian agencies have received over a third of the $2.6 billion needed for this year’s humanitarian response.

“If we don’t act now, Sudan risks becoming a protracted – crisis where there is little hope and fewer dreams. We cannot let this happen,” stressed Nkweta-Salami.

(ST)