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

16 December

NEW: Humanitarian Access Snapshot (November 2024 – OCHA)

12 December

  • UNISFA statement on video of its peacekeepers (UNISFA)
  • Women deliver babies on the road and under fire as catastrophe grips Sudan’s Aj Jazirah State (UNFPA)

10 December

  • Uptick in fighting threatens WFP’s food surge in hungry Sudan (WFP)

5 December

  • The UN Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Goodwill Ambassador Ishmael Beah visited Sudan this week, meeting children and families whose lives have been upended by the brutal war between rival militaries which has upended the country. (UN News)
  • UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador Ishmael Beah meets children and young people trapped in world’s biggest child displacement crisis (UNICEF)
  • WHO deploys a team to Gedaref and Kassala to assess the health needs of communities newly displaced from Al Jazirah (WHO)
  • UNHCR raises alarm on surge of new arrivals in South Sudan (UNHCR)

3 December

Families in Zamzam camp gather to receive a meal provided by the camp's Emergency Response Room
© Zam Zam ERR -Families in Zamzam camp gather to receive a meal provided by the camp’s Emergency Response Room

The United Nations has condemned deadly shelling on Zamzam camp, the largest site for internally displaced people (IDPs) in the Darfur region of Sudan. (UN News)

  • The Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, condemns shelling on Zamzam IDP camp near Al Fasher, North Darfur State (OCHA, UN RC/HC Sudan)

29 November

  • UN relief chief: Polycrisis in Sudan needs the world’s attention (OCHA)
  • Amid hunger and famine in Sudan, a WFP aid convoy is en route with critical supplies (WFP)

28 November

  • New US$10M programme will boost food security, livelihoods, and access to water and power in areas affected by massive displacement (UNDP)
  • Living through the scars of war: the struggle of Sudan’s displaced families (WHO)

27 November

  • Silatech, QFFD and UNDP join forces to support youth employment and livelihood security for conflict-affected populations in Sudan (UNDP)

26 November

  • UN relief chief underlines “epidemic of sexual violence” against women and girls (OCHA)
  • Statement by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on the 16 Days of Activism Campaign (RC/HC Sudan)
  • General Assembly President urges collective action on Sudan as crisis deepens (UN News)

22 November

Displaced Sudanese people wait to receive food from WFP. Photo © WFP
Displaced Sudanese people wait to receive food from WFP. Photo © WFP

A World Food Programme (WFP) convoy arrived in the Zamzam camp in North Darfur, Sudan, on Friday – the first since famine was declared there three months ago, the UN agency has reported. (UN News)

  • WFP announces major surge in food aid into Sudan’s hard-to-reach areas (WFP)

21 November

  • War in Sudan is being fought over the bodies of women, says top rights investigator (UN Video)

19 November

  • “You don’t see young women in some camps”: Harrowing reports of sexual violence and healthcare attacks in Sudan’s Aj Jazirah State (UNFPA)

18 November

  • The Government of Japan and UNOPS signed a $4.75 million project to improve water access and health services in Sudan (UNOPS)
  • Russian Federation Vetoes Security Council Resolution Aimed at Strengthening Measures to Protect Civilians, Increase Humanitarian Aid Access in Sudan (UN News)

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