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Sudan Conflict Sparks Unprecedented Humanitarian Crisis and Massive Displacement
9-24-2024
The conflict in Sudan, which erupted on April 15, 2023, continues to ravage the country, leading to one of the world’s largest humanitarian crises. Over 10 million people have been displaced both internally and across borders, exacerbating an already dire situation. The violence has displaced 7.7 million people within Sudan, adding to the 3 million who were internally displaced before the conflict. Nearly 2 million people have fled to neighboring countries, including the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Uganda, by June 2024.
Before the conflict, Sudan was already hosting over 4.8 million displaced individuals, including 3.7 million internally displaced persons (IDPs), primarily in Darfur, and over 1 million refugees from South Sudan, Eritrea, Syria, and other countries. The intensifying violence, particularly in Darfur and Kordofan, has forced civilians into overcrowded and poorly equipped gathering sites, severely straining basic humanitarian services.
Humanitarian access remains extremely limited due to insecurity and active conflict, particularly in Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum. The situation has deteriorated significantly, with many areas now facing famine-like conditions. UN officials have repeatedly warned of an impending hunger crisis that could affect nearly 5 million people, while reports of sexual violence, kidnappings, and ethnic targeting continue to rise.
As displacement grows, neighboring countries are receiving new refugees in a dire nutritional state. In addition to food, these individuals need shelter, healthcare, clean water, sanitation, protection, psychosocial support, and education for their children. The rainy season is further complicating relief efforts, especially in Chad, South Sudan, and the Central African Republic, where flooding is expected to worsen.
At the one-year mark of the crisis in April 2024, international donors pledged 2 billion euros during a conference in Paris co-hosted by France, Germany, and the European Union. Despite these pledges, funding remains critically low, with only 25% of UNHCR’s Sudan Supplementary Appeal funded by the end of June 2024.
The ongoing conflict, economic collapse, and the breakdown of public services like healthcare and education signal that displacement and the humanitarian emergency are likely to continue. The situation remains a major global concern, requiring urgent international attention and resources to prevent further catastrophe.
On Saturday, September 21, 2024, the Sudanese community of Vancouver held a fundraising dinner at the MAC Centre in Vancouver, partnering with the International Development and Relief Foundation (IDRF). The event successfully raised over $62,000, which will be directed to the Sudanese organization Sadagat through Blue Crescent, a Turkish organization actively working in the region. The funds will be used to provide essential food and medical supplies to those in need in Sudan. The guest speaker, Sheikh Ahmad Shehab, inspired the attendees to donate generously, emphasizing the importance of supporting efforts to alleviate the ongoing crisis in their home country.
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