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

8 November

  • Sudan’s displaced have endured ‘unimaginable suffering, brutal atrocities’ (UN News)
  • Sudanese refugee foster families offer hope and a home to lone children (UNHCR)
  • Unrelenting violence in Sudan drives continued refugee exodus (UNHCR)

5 November

Peacekeepers help to recover bogged down vehicles and rescue stranded civilians following heavy rains.
Peacekeepers help to recover bogged down vehicles and rescue stranded civilians following heavy rains | © UNISFA

In addition to driving a regional refugee crisis, the brutal war in Sudan is exacerbating instability in the contested region of Abyei, a senior UN peacekeeping official said on Tuesday, highlighting escalating challenges. (UN News)

  • IOM Intensifies Response to Cholera Outbreak in Renk Amid Risks to Displaced Populations (IOM)
  • UN experts condemn campaign of violence against civilians amid rising displacement (OHCHR)
  • In a historic health milestone, Sudan has launched its first malaria vaccination campaign amid 18 months of civil conflict, aiming to protect thousands of children from the deadly disease. (UN News)

4 November

Al Fasher hospital in Darfur following artillery strikes in October. Aid teams have warned that medical facilities in conflict areas are overwhelmed and continue to be attacked.
Al Fasher hospital in Darfur following artillery strikes in October. Aid teams have warned that medical facilities in conflict areas are overwhelmed and continue to be attacked | © Al-Saudi Maternity Hospital

War in Sudan has devastated towns and cities across the country and pushed the healthcare system to collapse, just as cases of cholera and dengue fever are surging and hunger levels remain “above the famine threshold”, humanitarians have warned. (UN News)

  • Sudan rolls out first malaria vaccines (WHO)

1 November

  • SG Spokesperson noon briefing highlights (OSSG)
  • Statement attributable to the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General – on Sudan (OSSG)

31 October

  • New UN report warns of conflict-induced famine and catastrophic hunger in 5 major hotspots alongside the looming La Niña climate threat in others (FAO)
  • ‘Catastrophic’ hunger persists in multiple countries, warn food agencies (UN News)

30 October

  • Humanitarian impact of Armed Violence in Aj Jazirah – Flash Update No. 02 (OCHA)

29 October

A mother carries her baby in Port Sudan, on the Sudanese coast.
© WFP/Abubakar Garelnabei – A mother carries her baby in Port Sudan, on the Sudanese coast.

Sudan’s ‘living nightmare’ continues as 11 million flee war, mass killings (UN News)

Escalating violence and new atrocities in Sudan have pushed the humanitarian crisis to unprecedented levels, with displacement now exceeding 11 million people amid reports of mass killings and systematic-sexual violence across multiple regions.

  • Escalating violence in Al-Jazirah (OHCHR)
  • UN Fact-Finding Mission documents large-scale sexual violence and other human rights violations in newly issued report (OHCHR)
  • Displacement in Sudan Crosses 11 Million as Devastating Crisis Reaches New Heights: IOM Chief  (IOM)

28 October

  • Secretary-General’s remarks to the Security Council – on Sudan (OSSG)
  • Sudan trapped in a ‘nightmare of violence’, UN chief tells Security Council (UN News)

26 October

  • Statement by the UN Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on the attacks in Aj Jazirah State (RC/HC Sudan)

25 October

  • UN agencies warn of spiraling Sudan crisis as civilians face grave risks and famine threat grows amid access barriers (UNHCR-UNICEF)
  • Sudan Situation External Update #84 — 13 – 19 October, 2024 (UNHCR)
  • SG Spokesperson noon briefing highlights (OSSG)

24 October

  • Statement by the United Nations Resident and Humanitarian Coordinator for Sudan, Clementine Nkweta-Salami, on the United Nations Day (OCHA – RC/HC Sudan)

22 October

  • Rights defenders integral to achieving sustainable development, UN expert says (UN News)

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