Violence, famine, children in danger… five minutes to understand the situation in Sudan after the alarming UN report

Since April 2023, Sudan has been in the grip of one of the worst humanitarian crises in its history. In a report published on 31 July 2024, the UN warned of serious violations of children's rights in the country.

“The lives of Sudanese children are at stake.” 14 million minors are in need of humanitarian assistance and protection in Sudan. This alarming conclusion, published in a UN report on Wednesday, highlights one of the most serious consequences of the conflicts in the country.

A year and a half of crisis

Since spring 2023, the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have been ;rsquo;fight in fierce fighting, plunging the country into a civil war. The SAF are officially the country's soldiers. The FSR, led by General Hemedti, are independent.

The clashes began in the capital, Khartoum, and quickly spread throughout the country. Their opposition dates back to October 2021, when they jointly led a military coup against the transitional government.

Civilians are the first victims

Heavy explosive weapons have been used repeatedly in densely populated areas. Leading over the months, from 15,000 to 20,000 deaths among the Sudanese.

Also, 10 million people have been forcibly displaced within the country. More than a million Sudanese have had to seek refuge in neighboring countries.

Health and support workers have also been targeted by the RSF. At least 19 aid workers have died.

A very serious food crisis

30 million people in the country are in need of food aid. But ongoing fighting is hampering the arrival of humanitarian convoys.

70% of hospitals are not operational in areas where fighting is taking place, deplores OCHA. Agricultural and medical infrastructure has been hit, stocks looted, making access to basic necessities very difficult. Not to mention the attacks on water treatment plants that complicate access to drinking water.

62 denials of access to humanitarian aid have been recorded. 30 schools have been attacked, as have 88 hospitals.

Children at risk

According to the report, 14 million children are in need of humanitarian aid and protection. Because “they lack access to food, water, shelter, electricity, education and health care”. 19 million minors are no longer in school.

In 2023, 2,168 verified grave violations against children were recorded. 277 minors were recruited or used for the conflict. 626 were killed, 914 maimed. 153 children were sexually abused, 33 were abducted. “A catastrophic situation.”