Famine looms over Sudan as millions starve amid conflict

June 2, 2024 (GENEV) – A humanitarian crisis of catastrophic proportions is unfolding in Sudan, where 18 million people are facing acute hunger and famine is rapidly approaching. The Inter-Agency Standing Committee (IASC), a coalition of top humanitarian officials, has issued a dire warning, calling for immediate action to prevent mass starvation and further suffering.

The conflict, now in its second year, has displaced nearly 10 million people within Sudan, making it the country with the largest internally displaced population globally. An additional 2 million have fled to neighbouring countries.

The situation is particularly dire in Darfur, Kordofan, Aj Jazirah, and Khartoum, where millions are on the brink of famine. Al Fasher, a city in Darfur, is bracing for a potential large-scale attack that could unleash devastating humanitarian consequences across the region.

Aid workers are facing immense challenges, including systematic obstruction and denial of access by parties to the conflict. This has resulted in the closure of crucial supply routes and the deaths, injuries, and harassment of humanitarian personnel.

The IASC is urging both warring parties to prioritize the protection of civilians, allow unimpeded humanitarian access, and de-escalate the conflict, particularly in Al Fasher.

They are also calling on international donors to urgently fulfil their pledges and provide additional funding to address the escalating crisis.

Five months into the year and over a month after the International Humanitarian Conference in Paris, UN humanitarian agencies have received only 16% of the $2.7 billion required for our humanitarian response.

They urgently called on donors to fulfill their pledges made in Paris and expedite additional funding for the humanitarian appeal. With famine looming, they urged drastically scaling up life-saving aid delivery, including providing seeds to farmers before the planting season ends.

Without immediate and significant action, the IASC warns of a catastrophic scenario: widespread famine, mass displacement, increased child mortality, and heightened suffering for women and girls. The clock is ticking, and the world must act now to avert this impending humanitarian disaster.