dozens of children die of hunger in Sudan’s besieged El Fasher, U.N. says

September 30, 2025 (NEW YORK) – Dozens of children and elderly people have died from hunger in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fasher in the last 40 days, the United Nations said on Tuesday, as a lack of funding forced aid groups to halt food distribution.

The U.N. humanitarian office (OCHA) is “deeply concerned about worsening conditions” in the North Darfur capital and the nearby Abu Shouk camp after the closure of community kitchens that fed thousands, U.N. spokesman Farhan Haq said.

In a statement on Monday, the U.N.’s top aid official in Sudan, Denise Brown, called for the immediate lifting of the siege.

Brown also demanded an end to indiscriminate attacks, sexual violence and ethnically motivated attacks, citing reports of unlawful killings, abductions and strikes on markets and hospitals.

Civilians are trapped in the city, facing “impossible choices,” the U.N. said. Those who attempt to flee face violence, harassment and looting on insecure routes.

Brown reiterated that, under international law, warring parties are obligated to protect civilians and ensure safe passage for those wishing to leave.

Those who remain require access to food, water and other essentials, and humanitarian workers must also be kept safe, she added.

Brown is expected to brief reporters at the U.N. later this week on the situation in Darfur.