The conflict in Sudan, which began in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces, has triggered one of the world’s largest displacement crises. According to the UNHCR, around 14 million people—nearly a quarter of the population—have been forced to flee, with millions displaced internally and others seeking refuge in neighbouring countries such as Chad, South Sudan, and Egypt. Fighting continues across key regions, with no clear path toward resolution and increasing use of aerial bombardments and drone attacks.
The conflict has been marked by severe human rights violations, including attacks on civilian infrastructure, mass killings, forced recruitment, and arbitrary detentions. Women and girls face heightened risks, particularly of conflict-related sexual violence, often while attempting to escape violence. Reports from the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights highlight widespread abuses, with thousands of civilian casualties and many more missing.
The humanitarian crisis is further deepened by widespread hunger, with over 21 million people experiencing acute food insecurity. The Food and Agriculture Organization notes that food production systems have been severely disrupted, especially in conflict-affected regions like Darfur and Kordofan, where livelihoods have been destroyed and agricultural capacity has collapsed.
Healthcare services in Sudan have also been devastated. The World Health Organization reports that a large portion of the population urgently needs medical assistance, while hospitals are overwhelmed and disease outbreaks are spreading. Attacks on healthcare facilities have further reduced access, with hundreds of incidents documented, resulting in significant casualties among both patients and medical staff.
The crisis has been compounded by external factors, including disruptions to humanitarian supply chains linked to broader regional instability. Aid delivery has become slower and more costly, limiting the ability of organizations to respond effectively. Overall, the situation underscores a rapidly deteriorating humanitarian emergency requiring urgent international attention and sustained support.
