By Amr Gohar
A broad international coalition including the United States, United Kingdom, Canada, Australia and more than two dozen European governments has issued an urgent warning over the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian and food security crisis in Sudan.
In a joint statement, the governments warned that Sudan is facing a growing risk of famine in the coming months and called for immediate action to prevent further loss of life.
According to the statement, an estimated 19.5 million people — around 41% of Sudan’s population — are experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, including approximately 5 million people facing emergency levels of hunger.
The statement also warned that the number of children suffering from severe acute malnutrition could exceed 825,000 if the current situation continues, while the number of food-insecure areas is expected to double.
The ongoing conflict was identified as the main driver of the crisis, with fighting displacing millions of people, damaging critical infrastructure and disrupting healthcare, agriculture, food production, supply chains and local markets.
The humanitarian situation has also been worsened by restrictions on aid delivery and the effects of El Niño, including reduced rainfall and increased drought across large parts of the country.
The international coalition called on the parties to the conflict to remove all obstacles to humanitarian assistance and allow safe, rapid and unrestricted access across Sudan.
The statement specifically urged authorities and armed groups to permit humanitarian operations through crossline and cross-border routes, including air access to Darfur, protect humanitarian workers and facilities, reduce bureaucratic restrictions on aid operations and refrain from attacks on civilian infrastructure and agricultural systems.
The countries also appealed to the international community to urgently increase humanitarian funding and support efforts aimed at preventing famine, including assistance for agricultural production and locally led emergency responses.
The joint statement concluded by expressing support for the people of Sudan and humanitarian organizations working under extremely difficult conditions to provide life-saving assistance.
The warning highlights the growing international concern that, without immediate humanitarian access and increased assistance, Sudan’s already severe hunger crisis could deteriorate further in the months ahead.
Original article
Comments