Sudan’s Escalating Humanitarian Crisis: International Donors Urge Unhindered Aid Access Amid Severe Famine Risk
October 2024: The ongoing conflict in Sudan has reached devastating levels, with half the country’s population now in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. In a joint statement, international donors including the UK, USAID, Norway, Sweden, France, Germany, the Netherlands, Ireland, Switzerland, Canada, and the European Union, have condemned the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) for obstructing humanitarian efforts, exacerbating what has become one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises.
According to the statement, the 18-month conflict between SAF and RSF has displaced 11 million people, forced them from their homes, and exposed them to widespread violence, including sexual violence and human rights abuses. The crisis has crippled Sudan’s agricultural production, disrupted trade, and led to severe food shortages, pushing millions to the brink of starvation.
In August, famine conditions were declared in the Zamzam camp, home to over 500,000 internally displaced people. The situation in South Kordofan is also dire, with famine risks rapidly escalating due to siege-like conditions and continued fighting. This marks only the third time famine has been officially declared in the 21st century, further underscoring the scale of the crisis.
Humanitarian Access Blocked
While 7 million people in Darfur are acutely food insecure, only a fraction of the needed aid has reached them since August. The obstruction of humanitarian access by both SAF and RSF has led to untold deaths, with more expected in the coming months unless assistance is urgently scaled up. The joint donor statement emphasizes that unrestricted, safe, and immediate access to affected populations is critical to prevent further large-scale loss of life.
The statement also condemns bureaucratic barriers imposed by Sudan’s Humanitarian Aid Commission and the Sudan Agency for Relief and Humanitarian Operations. These bodies have delayed issuing vital visas and permits, preventing humanitarian organizations from delivering life-saving aid to those most in need.
Call for Compliance with International Law
The international donors reiterated that both the SAF and RSF have a duty under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and humanitarian workers. This includes removing arbitrary restrictions on critical border crossings, such as the Adre border from Chad, and allowing unhindered cross-border routes for aid.
Recent efforts by the Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) group have made progress in improving cross-border access, but donors urged all parties to fully engage and honour their existing commitments to alleviate the suffering of the Sudanese people.
Escalation of Hostilities
The joint donor statement comes after world leaders gathered at the UN General Assembly last month, calling for an immediate end to hostilities in Sudan. Despite these calls, fighting has continued to escalate, leading to increased displacement, destruction, and loss of life.
As famine looms and violence worsens, the international community is calling on Sudan’s leaders to act swiftly to ensure humanitarian assistance reaches those in desperate need, stressing that failure to do so will only deepen the already catastrophic situation. The time to act, they warn, is now.
