Sudan Watchlist Crisis Alert – Sudan

A new IRC report underscores the world’s failure to address the deepening humanitarian disaster in Sudan

Khartoum, Sudan, June 25, 2024 — The IRC’s 2024 Emergency Watchlist identified Sudan as the humanitarian crisis most at risk of worsening this year. In response to the lack of attention to the crisis, the IRC has launched a Crisis warning for Sudan at mid-yearThe new report illustrates the evolution of a country in free fall. Unless international policymakers move from passivity to action, the conflict risks tearing Sudan apart, with devastating consequences for millions of civilians and regional security. Sudan is already suffering from the world’s worst refugee crisis and is rapidly becoming the world’s worst hunger crisis.

The alarm highlights how military decision-makers, regional powers and the international community have failed the people of Sudan, resulting in a worsening humanitarian catastrophe that has left more than half the population – nearly 25 million people – in need of humanitarian assistance. It analyses why the conflict has continued to escalate and spread, outlines how severe restrictions on humanitarian access contribute to a response that fails to meet needs, and makes recommendations for an urgently needed diplomatic and humanitarian course correction. The report urges a shift towards peace, not more war, and an overall reorientation of humanitarian assistance.

Sudan’s civilian population is already at risk of death and now faces the threat of famine. The warring parties continue to block access to data collection, meaning that a famine may never be officially declared. However, people are already dying of hunger and without an immediate cessation of fighting and increased humanitarian assistance, many parts of the country are expected to experience the worst levels of food insecurity (IPC5) in the coming months.

Conservative estimates put the number at least 15,500 in the conflict, with some putting the number as high as 150,000 and rising. If swift action is not taken, more than 222,000 children are expected to starve to death in the coming months. The number of confirmed deaths from mass killings is much lower than estimates for the genocide described by the United States in 2003-05. However, more people have been displaced, suggesting a similar level of violence. According to the International Organization for Migration (IOM), more than 10 million people have become internally displaced within Sudan, while at least another 2 million have fled to neighboring countries such as South Sudan, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Uganda and the Central African Republic.

On June 13, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution calling for an immediate end to fighting and de-escalation in and around El Fasher, as well as increased measures to protect civilians and health workers from attacks. Concerted diplomatic efforts are now needed to ensure that the warring parties implement these steps.

Eatizaz Yousif, IRC Country Director for Sudan, said:

“After more than a year of war, the people of Sudan – my people – are experiencing enormous suffering. Millions of people’s lives have been turned upside down, children’s education has all but ceased, basic services such as hospitals and banks have stopped functioning in many parts of the country, and families are having to make impossible choices to feed their children. The world has chosen to ignore the suffering in Sudan for too long, many civilians have been killed and numerous cities destroyed, including the capital Khartoum. There have been no adequate measures to end the conflict.

The already dire humanitarian situation requires renewed efforts to end the fighting and ensure that humanitarian workers can do their work. Across Sudan, millions of people are being denied the assistance they need because of the fighting and delays and obstacles in the delivery of aid for which the warring parties are responsible.

As the civil war in Sudan escalates and the humanitarian disaster worsens, it is spilling over into neighboring countries, such as Chad and South Sudan, which are already facing their own problems. Urgent support is also needed to ensure that refugees and the communities hosting them receive the support they need until they can return home.

The IRC’s mid-year alert contains clear recommendations for action that, if implemented, would advance the peace process and drive much-needed reforms in the way aid is supported, implemented and financed. We know what needs to change, so there are no excuses for inaction.”

Note for editors:

The IRC has adapted and expanded its programs in Sudan to meet increased humanitarian needs. We support people displaced within the country through economic empowerment services, health and nutrition programs, and water, sanitation and hygiene programs. The IRC also provides protection and empowerment services to women and children, including survivors of gender-based violence in Blue Nile, Gedaref, White Nile and Khartoum states. We have established offices in new regions, including Port Sudan, and are in the process of launching an emergency response in River Nile state to provide cash assistance, clean water, and sanitation and hygiene services to vulnerable communities. We are also working to establish a presence in new locations to fill gaps in humanitarian supplies and expand our programs in response to the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Sudan. The IRC is also working in Chad, South Sudan, Ethiopia and Uganda to support refugees fleeing Sudan. For more information on the IRC’s programs in Sudan, visit Here.