UNDP Administrator confirms famine in Sudan, calls for urgent action
August 5, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The Administrator of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Achim Steiner has confirmed the devastating famine in Sudan’s North Darfur and potentially in 14 other areas within the country.
The confirmation comes following a recent assessment by the Famine Review Committee (FRC) of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC).
The report confirmed that famine conditions are prevalent in parts of North Darfur, including the Zamzam camp in El Fasher, with an estimated 500,000 people.
Steiner emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, “Famine is not merely a likely and devastating future prospect, but an actual and cruel present reality in North Darfur.”
He further highlighted the dire circumstances faced by Sudanese communities, with 70% of rural households unable to cultivate land, a quarter unable to access markets due to safety concerns, and 43% unable to afford food even when available.
The UNDP official stressed the urgent need for immediate and comprehensive humanitarian response, calling on all parties involved in the conflict to cease hostilities and ensure unhindered humanitarian access to the Greater Darfur states.
In addition to immediate food assistance, Steiner emphasized the importance of supporting livelihoods through investments in irrigation infrastructure, extension services, and resources for farmers. He argued that this approach would address immediate needs and foster long-term sustainability and resilience within communities.
The UNDP, according to its administrator, remains committed to strengthening the resilience of the Sudanese population, expanding agricultural production, delivering essential services, and supporting vital infrastructure development.
As the lead development agency in the Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), the UNDP reportedly stands ready to contribute its development resources, capabilities, and expertise to support humanitarian efforts in Sudan.
Steiner concluded his statement with a plea for urgent action, stating, “Famine in Sudan can be halted through urgent action. The time to act is now.”
There are concerns that restrictions on humanitarian access, including intentional impediments imposed by the active parties to the conflict, have severely restricted the capability of aid agencies to effectively scale up response efforts.
These obstructions have critically hindered the delivery of necessary aid and exacerbated the food crisis, driving some households into famine conditions.
In addition, basic human needs for health services, water, food, nutrition, shelter, and protection are not being met due to a multi-sectoral collapse in the country.
Sudan currently faces the world’s largest internal displacement crisis, with over 7 million persons said to have been internally displaced since 15 April 2023. Prior to that, Sudan had already hosted an estimated 3.8 million internally displaced persons.
Additionally, over 2.1 million people have been displaced across borders, mainly into neighbouring countries.
(ST)