By Matik Kueth
The United Nations International and Emergency Fund (UNICEF), reported that more than 30 million people in Sudan are in need of humanitarian assistance in 2025.
Speaking at the UN Security Council meeting on Thursday, Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF, warned that as the war in Sudan continues, an estimated proportion of the country will face food insecurity.
“With its economy and social services system and infrastructure in near collapse, and no end to the conflict in sight, we estimate that nearly two-thirds of Sudan’s total population, more than 30 million people – will require humanitarian assistance this year. 16 million of them are children, and they are paying a terrible price,” Russell said.
She added, “Famine is occurring in hotspots in at least five locations in Sudan, with an estimated 1.3 million children under five living in these areas.”
Russell noted that more than 3 million children under five are at imminent risk of deadly disease outbreaks, including cholera, malaria, and dengue, due to a failing health system.
“The dire situation is exacerbated by the collapse of infrastructure, with 16.5 million school-aged children out of school, and nearly an entire generation at risk. This is not just a crisis, it is a poly-crisis affecting every sector, from health and nutrition to water, education, and protection,” she stated.
The situation in Sudan has become increasingly perilous for children, with grave violations as the war between the army and the RSF continues to rage.
Russell lamented that between June and December 2024, more than 900 incidences of grave breaches against children were reported, with a shocking 80 percent involving child murder and maiming, particularly in Darfur, Khartoum, and Al Jazirah states.
“Sadly, we know these numbers are just a fraction of the reality. Sexual violence is also rampant in Sudan, further deepening the crisis. In Sudan today, sexual violence is pervasive. It is used to humiliate, dominate, disperse, forcibly relocate, and terrify an entire population,” she revealed.
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of UNICEF [Photo – Courtesy]
“Bringing an end to the conflict will be a critical step towards ending sexual and gender-based violence in Sudan,” Collins emphasized.
The humanitarian crisis in Sudan is escalating rapidly, with famine spreading to hotspots across the country.
According to the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) report, an estimated 21 million people (nearly half the country’s population) are facing high levels of food insecurity.
On August 1, 2024, the IPC’s Famine Review Committee confirmed that a man-made famine has taken hold within Zamzam camp, one of North Darfur’s largest displacement sites.
Despite regional and international peace brokers’ efforts, the war, which broke out on April 15th, 2023, continues to rage as the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) strive for control while citizens bear the brunt of suffering.