The UN and the crisis in Sudan (Jan-Jun 2024)

12.5 million
forcibly displaced since 15 April 2023
50,000+
reportedly killed
30.4 million
people in need of assistance

What is the crisis about?

On 15 April 15, 2023, the fighting erupted between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The armed conflict is affecting millions of lives in Sudan and causing mass displacement, food insecurity and education challenges that require immediate humanitarian help.

Right now, Sudan is experiencing a humanitarian catastrophe with over 25 million people in desperate need of assistance.

More information on the background to the conflict.

Latest developments

9 April

A year into the conflict, Sudan faces one of the most severe humanitarian crises, with over 8.5 million displaced and 1.8 million seeking refuge across borders. Civilians endure ongoing violence, including gender-based attacks, violating international law and shattering communities. 

Despite urgent needs, funding remains alarmingly low, hindering vital aid delivery and leaving many without basic necessities. The international community must increase support to ensure dignity and safety for those affected by the conflict. (UNHCR)

5 April

The United Nations World Food Programme (WFP) recently delivered vital food and nutrition aid to Darfur, marking the first assistance to reach the region in months. In late March, two convoys from Chad brought essential support to approximately 250,000 people facing acute hunger in North, West, and Central Darfur, following negotiations to reopen routes closed in February.

Despite this progress, the WFP emphasizes the critical need for continuous aid through various humanitarian corridors to mitigate Sudan’s worsening hunger crisis. (WFP)

4 April

On 26 March, Lawrence Korbandy of South Sudan was appointed as the special envoy for Sudan by IGAD, with the aim of facilitating negotiations between SAF and RSF. Simultaneously, the US, represented by Special Envoy Tom Perriello, announced efforts to resume peace talks in Sudan by April 18, recognizing the urgency of addressing the conflict’s dire humanitarian consequences. 

Additionally, South Sudan and the UAE reiterated their commitment to resolving the conflict in Sudan. Sudan’s Deputy Foreign Minister suggested that peace talks could resume after Ramadan, based on diplomatic reports from the AU and IGAD. Meanwhile, over 25 organizations urged Egypt to halt the mistreatment of Sudanese refugees. (IOM)

4 April

On 24 March, Minni Minnawi, the leader of the Sudan Liberation Army (SLA-MM), and the Governor of Darfur declared their forces’ intention to join SAF in combat against the RSF in Khartoum. RSF’s legal advisor, Mohamed Al-Mukhtar, stated that RSF no longer recognizes Minni Minnawi as Darfur’s governor due to his alignment with SAF. 

Additionally, Lt. Gen. Al Burhan briefed an African Union delegation on the progress of the high-level mechanism’s efforts to devise a conflict resolution strategy, while RSF announced the establishment of a civil administration in Aj Jazira State. (IOM)

4 April

IOM advocates for enhanced transition and stabilization efforts, especially in neighbouring nations where returning populations may seek to settle permanently. In the latest Regional Sudan Crisis Response Situation Update, IOM highlights that it distributed hygiene kits to 10,000 internally displaced persons in Gedaref and offered cash aid to 158 vulnerable households in Port Sudan. (IOM)

4 April

UNICEF’s Humanitarian Situation Report highlights that conflict in Sudan imperils the lives of 24 million children, jeopardizing their health and prospects for the future, particularly in regions like Darfur, Khartoum, and Kordofan. Despite reaching millions with vital aid in 2023, UNICEF faces an urgent need for $840 million in 2024 to continue providing essential services and support to 7.6 million vulnerable children, building upon the previous year’s efforts to address escalating humanitarian crises. 

This report outlined UNICEF’s achievements in 2023 and sets forth ambitious goals for the current year, emphasizing the critical need for sustained funding to mitigate the growing threats facing Sudanese children. (UNICEF)

4 April

The new UNHCR External Update underscores that the ongoing clashes between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) have continued to persist since April 2023, leading to severe civilian suffering. Moreover, US Special Envoy for Sudan, Tom Perriello, highlighted on X the dire impact of the conflict on civilians, with attacks occurring in and around civilian areas. 

Representatives Barbara Lee and Sara Jacobs, alongside Senator Cory Booker, issued a joint statement urging increased international aid to address the urgent survival needs of refugees and alleviate their preventable suffering. (UNHCR)

31 March

Nearly a year after the conflict began in Sudan, about 25 million people require humanitarian aid, with 18 million facing acute hunger, including 5 million in emergency conditions. Additionally, approximately 3.5 million children under 5 suffer from acute malnutrition, with over 710,000 experiencing severe acute malnutrition, highlighting the critical need for sustained support to address the escalating crisis. (WHO)

29 March

The worsening conflict in Sudan poses a grave threat to millions facing acute food insecurity and malnutrition, with 17.7 million people, or 37% of the population, at risk according to the IPC analysis. 

Due to security risks and data limitations, the IPC Technical Working Group couldn’t update its analysis, but the situation is dire, urging immediate action from stakeholders to prevent famine amidst escalating conflict. (non-UN source, for reference only: Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC))

28 March

The first UN mission to Sudan underscores the devastating impact of the ongoing conflict, often overlooked on the global stage. UNICEF reports that 24 million children in Sudan bear the brunt of the conflict, with 730,000 facing severe acute malnutrition. Jill Lawler, spearheading UNICEF’s efforts, directs aid operations in places like Omdurman city near Khartoum. (UN News)

25 March

The Government of Japan has provided $896,000 to IOM to enhance humanitarian assistance at key border crossing points in Sudan, aiding IDPs, returnees, migrants, and affected communities with essential services. 

This funding will support health, nutrition, mental health, psychosocial support, and protection services at border crossings like Ashkeet and Galabat, critical lifelines for those seeking refuge across Sudan’s borders with Egypt and Ethiopia respectively. (IOM)

Related posts

Sudan: one of the world’s most severe humanitarian crises

The crisis in Sudan is multifaceted, encompassing armed conflict, mass displacement, healthcare challenges, food insecurity, and an education crisis.

Secretary-General appoints Finland´s Haavisto as envoy for Sudan

United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres has announced the appointment of Pekka Haavisto of Finland as his new...

The UN and the crisis in Sudan (Jul-Dec 2025)

18 December UN report details horrific patterns of violations committed during RSF takeover of ZamZam IDP camp...

The UN and the crisis in Sudan (Jan-Jun 2025)

30 June Funding shortages threaten relief for millions of Sudanese refugees: WFP Critical shortfalls in global humanitarian funding now...

More country pages

The UN and the crisis in the Middle East: What you need to know

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS 26 May Strait of Hormuz: Time running out to avert global food security crisis, FAO warns...

The UN and the war in Ukraine: key information

News on Ukraine in your language French Portuguese German   Quick Navigation: Main facts | Humanitarian Appeal | Protection of civilians ...

UNRIC News

Regeneration Revolution: Holding back the desert on a Spanish farm

As climate change continues to cause biodiversity loss and soil degradation, the pressure on global food systems...

EU and WHO scale up action to respond to Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda

The European Union (EU) and WHO have reinforced their cooperation to support national authorities in responding to...

Exploring solutions for the future of sustainable cultural tourism in Europe

UNESCO organised a landmark conference to explore how to manage threats to cultural cities and understand how...