UN relief coordinator urges end of hostilities, protection of civilians in Sudan

September 23, 2024 (PORT SUDAN) – The United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami has urged member states and the international community to focus on the plight of millions of people facing the brunt of the conflict in Sudan.

She made the remarks as world leaders gather for the UN General Assembly in New York.

The war has resulted in the world’s fastest-growing civilian displacement and humanitarian crisis.

“Humanitarians across Sudan are calling on the international community to step up to end the devastating conflict and ensure unrestricted access so that more than 150 aid organizations operating in the country can reach the millions of people facing acute hunger and disease – and staring down famine,” Nkweta-Salami said.

As the General Assembly commences at its headquarters on Wednesday, the crisis in Sudan and the region will take centre stage when member states join together with the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) and the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), to call for urgent and collective support to address the humanitarian catastrophe and push for peace.

“This is exactly why the UN was created, to prevent war and alleviate human suffering,” explained the UN Humanitarian Coordinator, adding “Each passing hour means women and children in parts of El Fasher, Khartoum, Aj Jazirah, Sennar and other areas directly affected by conflict are likely dying from hostilities, malnutrition, or illness.”

Since the conflict erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, an estimated 20,000 people have reportedly been killed and thousands of others injured.

In addition, however, more than 10 million people or over one in every five people have fled their homes, including 8.1 million who have been displaced within Sudan and another 2.4 million who crossed the borders to neighbouring and other countries, according to the UN.

Meanwhile the humanitarian coordinator said at least 1,500 people were displaced from El Fasher, capital of North Darfur State following the escalation of hostilities in the town.

“Once again, I urge the parties to halt attacks on civilians, homes and essential facilities, such as hospitals, which are protected under the international humanitarian law,” she observed.

There are fears that some areas, including two other displacement camps in North Darfur could experience famine conditions like in Zamzam camp and need urgent access and assistance.

Also, the outbreak of cholera and incidences of water or vector-borne diseases are aggravating the already dire situation that malnourished people, especially children and women, are facing.

The number of cholera cases reported over the past two months has reached 13,300, including 415 related deaths, according to the information provided by Sudanese authorities.

However, despite insecurity, access and funding challenges, humanitarian partners provided more than 8 million people across Sudan with some form of humanitarian assistance this year.

But with re-opening of the Adre border point between Chad and Sudan, UN aid agencies have moved 135 trucks with essential life-saving supplies for about 520,000 people via the crossing.

“The aid through Adre and food for people in Zamzam camp, where famine has been confirmed, are a testament to what the UN and humanitarian partners can accomplish,” stressed Nkweta-Salami.

“However, unrestricted access and additional funding are critical to reach more people in acute need,” she added.

The Sudan humanitarian appeal, seeking $2.7 billion, is less than 50 per cent funded.

(ST)