The UN and the crisis in Sudan (Jul-Dec 2024)

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

31 December

  • Statement by the Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan on the launch of Sudan 2025 Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan (OCHA)
  • Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan 2025 – Executive Summary (OCHA)

30 December

  • ‘We can only die once, so what’s there to fear?’ In war-stricken Sudan, humanitarians persevere to tackle famine (WFP)

29 December

Sudan conflict: ‘There cannot be a military solution to this war

Families fleeing conflict in Sudan arrive at a transit centre in Aweil, South Sudan.
© UNHCR/Reason Moses Runyanga Families fleeing conflict in Sudan arrive at a transit centre in Aweil, South Sudan.

Sudan’s civil war, which began in April 2023, continues to inflict misery on the country’s population, fuelling a massive humanitarian disaster and driving over 12 million people from their homes. (UN News)

24 December

  • Sudan’s worsening famine: Conflict puts millions at risk (UN News)
  • Food and nutrition crisis deepens across Sudan as famine identified in additional areas (WFP)
  • UNHCR scales up response for Sudanese refugees arriving in Libya amid growing humanitarian needs (UNHCR)
  • Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Sudan (OSSG)

20 December

Families fleeing conflict in Sudan arrive at a transit centre in Aweil, South Sudan.
© UNHCR/Reason Moses Runyanga | Families fleeing conflict in Sudan arrive at a transit centre in Aweil, South Sudan.

The ongoing conflict in Sudan – particularly around besieged El Fasher – and a growing refugee crisis on the South Sudan border, have intensified an already alarming humanitarian crisis, according to UN agencies. (UN News)

  • Statement by WFP Executive Director Cindy McCain on tragic loss of staff members in Sudan (WFP)
  • Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General – on Sudan (OSSG)
  • Alarming El Fasher siege, hostilities must end – UN report (OHCHR)

19 December

2024-12-20 UN Human Rights Chief Volker comments on Sudan: Alarming El Fasher siege, hostilities must end (OHCHR)

  • Staggering scale of Sudan crisis ‘demands sustained and urgent attention’ (UN News)
  • OCHA appeals to Security Council to ensure all aid relief routes “are open” in Sudan (OCHA)
  • Civilians fleeing war in Sudan to Uganda give harrowing testimony to United Nations Fact-Finding Mission (OHCHR)

17 December

  • Alarming 288 per cent rise in demand for gender-based violence services in the last 12 months in Sudan (UN Women)
  • Operational Update on surge in food aid in Sudan (WFP)

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