UN urges unimpeded access to deliver food aid to millions in war-torn Sudan
February 2, 2024 (GENEVA) – In a desperate plea, senior UN officials on Friday called for immediate and safe humanitarian access to reach millions of Sudanese civilians suffering from the devastating nine-month conflict.
“The war in Sudan continues to rage and take an unimaginable toll on civilians,” declared Leni Kinzli, World Food Programme (WFP) Communications Officer in Sudan. “Almost 18 million people across the country are facing acute food insecurity, and countless children are suffering from malnutrition.”
The briefing, attended by representatives from various UN agencies, painted a grim picture of the dire situation in Sudan. Over 13,000 people have been killed in the conflict, displacing more than 1.5 million people who have fled to neighbouring countries already struggling with limited resources.
Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), emphasized the urgency of action. “On February 7th, we will launch two crucial response plans – one for Sudan and another for displaced Sudanese abroad. But delivering aid is proving extremely difficult due to restricted access.”
WFP, the logistical backbone of the humanitarian response in Sudan, highlights the critical need for unimpeded access to conflict zones. “Currently, we can only reach 10% of the hungriest people,” stated Kinzli. “Humanitarian convoys must be allowed to cross frontlines to deliver life-saving assistance. Every single day is crucial in preventing a full-blown catastrophe.”
The UN Information Service (UNIS) emphasized the need for a three-pronged approach: a humanitarian ceasefire, unimpeded access to those in need, and strict adherence to international humanitarian law.
The chilling statement concluded with a heartfelt plea from Kinzli, “This conflict must not be forgotten. Millions of lives are at stake, and time is running out. The international community must act now to avert a famine and prevent further suffering.”
(ST)