Sudan: One of the World’s Largest Humanitarian Crises
(Updated 9 April 2026) Sudan is facing one of the most severe humanitarian crises in the world. The conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which erupted on 15 April 2023, has driven the country into a prolonged war marked by mass displacement, extreme hunger, and widespread violations of human rights. Nearly three years on, the crisis continues to deepen, affecting tens of millions of people and destabilizing the wider region.
What Is the Crisis About?
The crisis in Sudan is multidimensional, combining armed conflict, mass displacement, food insecurity, health system collapse, and a devastating education crisis.
As of 2025–2026, an estimated 30.4–33.7 million people—around two thirds of Sudan’s population—require humanitarian assistance,including over 16 million children. Sudan has become the largest humanitarian and displacement crisis globally, with famine conditions confirmed in parts of the country and millions more at risk.
Without urgent and sustained international action, this catastrophe threatens not only Sudan but the stability of the entire region.
Background to the Conflict
Sudan is located in Northeast Africa and has an estimated population of 47–48 million. It borders seven countries: the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and has a coastline along the Red Sea. Covering approximately 1.9 million square kilometres, Sudan is comparable in size to France, Spain, Germany, and Sweden combined.
The roots of the current conflict lie in decades of political instability, militarization, and unresolved post‑transition power strugglesfollowing the 2019 ousting of former President Omar al‑Bashir. Tensions between the SAF and RSF escalated into open warfare in April 2023, quickly spreading to urban centres and peripheral regions, particularly Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum.
The conflict has intensified ethnic and regional divisions, with civilians increasingly targeted on the basis of identity and perceived allegiance.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) are a powerful paramilitary group that evolved from the Janjaweed militias, responsible for atrocities in Darfur in the early 2000s. The RSF has since become deeply entrenched in Sudan’s political and economic systems, operating largely outside civilian oversight.
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Impact on People and the Environment
- Over 50,000 people are reportedly dead, though the true number is likely far higher due to limited access and underreporting.
- More than 14 million people have been forcibly displaced, including:
- Around 9–11 million internally displaced people (IDPs)
- 4–4.5 million refugees in neighbouring countries
- Over half of all displaced people are children.
Sudan is facing an unprecedented hunger crisis:
- More than 25 million people are experiencing acute food insecurity
- Famine has been confirmed in parts of North Darfur, with over 20 localities at risk
- Nearly 5 million children and pregnant or breastfeeding women are acutely malnourished
The collapse of health services has triggered outbreaks of cholera, measles, malaria, and dengue fever, with around 70% of health facilities non‑functional. Repeated attacks on hospitals, markets, and water infrastructure continue to endanger civilian lives.
The education system has also collapsed:
- 17–19 million children are out of school
- Thousands of schools have been destroyed, occupied, or made inaccessible due to insecurity
There are widespread and well‑documented reports of rape, sexual slavery, abductions, and forced recruitment, particularly affecting women and girls.
The United Nations has raised grave alarm about Darfur, where ethnically targeted violence, mass killings, burned displacement camps, and siege tactics have led UN investigators to describe events as bearing the “hallmarks of genocide.”
UN Response to the Crisis
The United Nations has mobilized efforts to address the crisis in Sudan and provides lifesaving humanitarian assistance.
The revised 2023 Sudan Humanitarian Response Plan appeals for $2.6 billion to reach over 18 million people with food, health care, cash and other lifesaving assistance through the end of this year. As of 8 January 2024, it was 41% funded.
The Refugee Response Plan appeals for $1 billion to support over 1.8 million refugees, returnees and host communities in the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, and South Sudan. As of 8 January, it was 38% funded.
The Central Emergency Response Fund has directed $76 million toward the Sudan crisis. The Sudan Humanitarian Fund has put $40 million toward relief efforts inside Sudan.
UN Agencies Involved and Their Role
The United Nations and its partners continue to deliver lifesaving assistance under extremely dangerous conditions.
- The Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (HNRP) 2025 seeks $4.2 billion to assist 20.9 million people
- As of April 2026, the plan is around 39% funded
- The Central Emergency Response Fund (CERF) and Sudan Humanitarian Fund have provided critical rapid‑response funding, though gaps remain severe
The regional Refugee Response Plan seeks over $1 billion to support refugees and host communities across neighbouring countries, but funding coverage remains below 40%.
UN Agencies Involved
UN agencies and partners have reached more than 15 million people since the start of the conflict. However, aid workers are increasingly targeted, with looting, obstruction, and attacks severely restricting access.
Key agencies include:
- WFP – food assistance and famine prevention
- WHO – disease outbreak control and health system support
- UNICEF – child protection, education, nutrition, and water
- UNHCR – refugees and internally displaced persons
The UN Secretary‑General has appointed a Personal Envoy for Sudan to support diplomatic and peace efforts alongside regional actors.
SDGs Connected to the Crisis
The crisis in Sudan directly relates to multiple Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). SDG 2 (Zero hunger) is under threat due to widespread food insecurity. At the same time, SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) faces challenges with the outbreak of diseases and the collapse of healthcare infrastructure. Additionally, SDG 4 (Quality Education) is severely impacted as millions of children remain out of school.
How Can You Get Involved?
Individuals worldwide can contribute to addressing the Sudan crisis by supporting reputable humanitarian organizations working in the region. Donations to UN agencies, NGOs, and grassroots organizations can provide much-needed resources for healthcare, food, and education initiatives. Additionally, raising awareness about the crisis through social media and engaging in advocacy efforts can help gain international support for Sudan’s suffering.
If you want to donate to the UN efforts to help Sudan, please click here.
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