UN warns of ‘perfect storm’ in Sudan as aid efforts struggle

September 19, 2024 (UNITED NATIONS) – The United Nations Thursday issued a stark warning about the worsening humanitarian situation in Sudan, with millions facing hunger, displacement, and disease outbreaks.

“We are witnessing a perfect storm for the catastrophic loss of lives in Sudan,” said UN Spokesman Stephane Dujarric, briefing reporters in New York.

The UN’s humanitarian agencies are working tirelessly to provide aid, but a lack of funding severely hampers their efforts. The 2024 appeal for Sudan is less than half funded, with just $1.3 billion of the $2.7 billion needed received so far.

Dujarric highlighted the urgent need to increase assistance to prevent further suffering and loss of life. The World Food Programme aims to reach 8.4 million people with food aid by the end of the year, while UNICEF is providing life-saving nutrition supplies to treat severely malnourished children.

The conflict has displaced over 10 million people, half of them children. The UNHCR is working to provide protection and assistance to those fleeing to neighbouring countries, but underfunding flooding, and insecurity hamper efforts.

Inside Sudan, the humanitarian response is also severely underfunded, with only $1.3 billion of the $2.7 billion needed received so far. Despite challenges, aid reaches those in need, with over 113 trucks crossing into Sudan from Chad since the Adré border crossing reopened.

Next Wednesday, a high-level ministerial event will address the crisis in Sudan and the region. OCHA and UNHCR are co-hosting the event alongside Egypt, Saudi Arabia, the United States, the European Union, and the African Union.

On Tuesday afternoon, UN officials briefed the Security Council on the situation in Sudan, focusing on the city of El-Fasher.

The UN’s urgent appeal underscores the dire situation in Sudan and the critical need for increased international action to prevent further suffering.

(ST)