The UN and the crisis in Sudan (Jan-Jun 2026)

8.9 million
people internally displaced (UNHCR, May 2026)
150,000+
reportedly killed
33.7 million
people in need of assistance (OCHA, May 2026)

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.

Recent Statements and News

10 April

Sudan: 14 million displaced; hunger and attacks on health continue as war enters fourth year 
Living conditions at the Abu Al Naja camp in Sudan.
© United Nations Living conditions at the Abu Al Naja camp in Sudan.

As Sudan approaches the third anniversary of a brutal civil war, millions remain displaced and hungry while the health system lies in ruins, with no end to the violence in sight, UN agencies said on Friday (UN News)

  • UN GENEVA PRESS BRIEFING (UNOG)
  • UN Geneva – Multimedia Newsroom : Three years of war in Sudan – UNHCR, FAO, WHO (UNOG)
  • UNHCR / SUDAN THREE YEARS WAR (UNifeed)
  • Three years on, war-weary Sudanese remain on the move (UNHCR)

9 April

  • WFP Sudan Country Office to return to capital Khartoum after three years of war, as record hunger persists (WFP)
  • Funding shortfalls put lifelines at risk for Sudanese refugees in Chad (WFP)

4 April

  • Tedros Ghebreyesus: “WHO urges the international community: do not ignore Sudan” (WHO)

3 April

  • ‘We watched them die before our eyes’: Sudan health workers helpless amid medical shortages (UN News)

31 March

  • IOM Moves to Expand Response in Sudan, Appeals for USD 277 Million (IOM)

30 March

Airstrike on funeral underscores rising civilian toll in Sudan
© IOM/Philippa Lowe Thousands remain trapped in Kordofan, Darfur and El Fasher, where war continues to rage
© IOM/Philippa Lowe Thousands remain trapped in Kordofan, Darfur and El Fasher, where war continues to rage

Fears are mounting for civilians caught up in Sudan’s deadly war between rival militaries as attacks intensify and humanitarian access shrinks, following a deadly airstrike on a funeral gathering in West Kordofan. (UN News)

24 March

  • Gender Alert: Escalation of hostilities in Kordofan (UN Women)
  • Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Sudan (OSSG)
  • Sudan: Sharp increase in civilian deaths as a result of growing drone warfare (OHCHR)

21 March

  • WHO verifies deadly hospital attack in war-torn Sudan (UN News)

12 March

  • Türk appalled by surge in deadly drone attacks on civilians in Kordofan and White Nile (OHCHR)

8 March

  • Sudan declares an end to its cholera outbreak (WHO)

26 February

  • High Commissioner Türk on Sudan: Let aid in and keep weapons out (OHCHR)

24 February

  • Mr. Pekka Haavisto of Finland – Personal Envoy for Sudan (OSSG)

19 February

  • Evidence in El-Fasher reveals genocidal campaign, targeting non-Arab communities, UN Fact-Finding Mission says (UN Human Rights Council)
  • Briefing to the Security Council on the humanitarian situation in Sudan by Ms. Edem Wosornu, Director, Crisis Response Division, OCHA, on behalf of Tom Fletcher, USG and Emergency Relief Coordinator (OCHA)

18 February

  • Türk alarmed after scores killed in drone attacks in two days (OHCHR)

17 February

  • As Sudan war approaches fourth year, humanitarian agencies appeal for support to refugees (UNHCR)
  • Statement on Sudan by Under-Secretary-General Vanessa Frazier, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict (OSRSG Children and Armed Conflict)

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