Four United Nations agencies—the International Organization for Migration (IOM), UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR), UNICEF, and the World Food Programme (WFP)—have issued an urgent call for international action to address the escalating humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Over 900 days of conflict, widespread human rights violations, famine, and the collapse of essential services have left millions, particularly women and children, in life-threatening conditions. During recent missions to Sudan, agency leaders witnessed the devastating impacts of the crisis in Darfur, Khartoum, and other conflict-affected areas.
Sudan is facing one of the world’s most severe emergencies, with over 30 million people in need of humanitarian assistance, including more than 9.6 million internally displaced persons and nearly 15 million children. While fighting has eased in some areas, around 2.6 million people have returned to damaged homes and neighborhoods, struggling with limited access to essential services. The ongoing conflict has destroyed healthcare and education systems, leaving 14 out of 17 million school-aged children out of school. Malnutrition rates are alarmingly high, with children at imminent risk of death without urgent food and nutrition support.
IOM Deputy Director General Ugochi Daniels emphasized the fragility of returning communities, noting that families are rebuilding amid damaged infrastructure, limited basic services, and outbreaks of cholera, dengue, and malaria. UNHCR Deputy High Commissioner Kelly T. Clements highlighted the scale of displacement, noting that families face grave protection risks, including sexual violence, killings, and forced recruitment. Rising anti-foreigner sentiment is also putting pressure on Sudan’s support for nearly 900,000 refugees.
The humanitarian situation in Darfur and Kordofan states remains dire. Over 260,000 civilians in Al Fasher, including 130,000 children, have been under siege for more than 16 months, cut off from food, water, and healthcare. Towns in Kordofans, such as Dilling and Kadugli, remain isolated, with collapsed health services and spreading disease outbreaks. UNICEF Deputy Executive Director Ted Chaiban warned of widespread malnutrition, preventable disease, and exposure to violence among children, underscoring the urgent need for global intervention.
Funding gaps are further exacerbating the crisis. The 2025 Humanitarian Response Plan for Sudan, totaling $4.2 billion, is only 25 percent funded, limiting the scale of emergency operations. Despite challenges, humanitarian efforts have reached over 13.5 million people this year, but without additional resources, life-saving interventions risk being scaled back. WFP Assistant Executive Director Valerie Guarnieri highlighted the resilience and determination of returning families, stressing the importance of continued support for food, nutrition, and essential services.
The four agencies called for the immediate cessation of hostilities, protection of civilians, and unhindered humanitarian access to all affected populations. They urged simplified procedures for aid delivery, urgent and flexible funding, support for durable solutions for displaced populations, and continued protection for refugees and internally displaced persons. IOM, UNHCR, UNICEF, and WFP reaffirmed their commitment to delivering life-saving assistance, emphasizing that global action is critical to prevent further suffering and loss of life in Sudan.
