U.S. warns of “dire” humanitarian situation in Sudan, calls for urgent action
June 27, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – In response to a recent Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) alert, US Ambassador to the United Nations, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, has highlighted the dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, describing it as the worst in the world.
“The humanitarian situation in Sudan is the most dire in the world, and the world must do more to save lives,” Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield stated, emphasizing the urgent need for international action.
The IPC report paints a grim picture of the food insecurity crisis in Sudan, with over a year of conflict having decimated agricultural production, displaced millions, and disrupted aid delivery.
An estimated 25.6 million Sudanese are facing severe food shortages, with over 750,000 people at the catastrophic level of food insecurity, resorting to desperate measures like eating tree leaves and boiling dirt to survive.
Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield stressed that famine is not merely a looming threat but is already underway across the country. Despite the heroic efforts of humanitarian workers, aid delivery has been severely hampered by both the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
The ambassador called on the warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and facilitate access for aid organizations. She further urged the Security Council to take action to ensure the delivery of life-saving aid, including authorizing aid to move from neighbouring countries if necessary.
On June 13, the U.S. diplomat, the sole UN Security Council member to visit Sudanese refugees in Chad, praised the agreement and coordination with Sudanese authorities on reopening the Adré border crossing. This move aims to facilitate the delivery of humanitarian aid from Chad into Sudan.
However, the specifics of the agreement remain unclear, as the Sudanese government maintains its stance against authorizing aid delivery through Adré to areas controlled by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF).
In addition to immediate humanitarian assistance, Ambassador Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the need for an immediate end to the fighting, unhindered humanitarian access, a transition to civilian governance, and accountability for crimes committed in the conflict.
“This senseless violence and suffering must stop,” she declared, urging the international community to come together to address the crisis in Sudan and provide much-needed support to its people.