As UNHCR reports, more than a year after the start of the war in Sudan, concern remains high about the levels of violence and humanitarian risks. Many areas have been left without supplies and aid from humanitarian organisations, causing people to be cut off from aid for months.
Displaced families, including Sudanese and refugees, struggle to get enough food after the price increase. Children are malnourished, have no access to schools, or places to play. Families do not have adequate shelter, and often live in overcrowded conditions. Two hospitals remain open, but there is a shortage of medicines, especially for patients with chronic diseases, while pregnant women are unable to access antenatal care.
People are also witnessing an increase in violence, and are concerned for their safety. Indiscriminate abuse, including sexual abuse and cases of separated and missing children, are on the rise.
Traffic restrictions on main roads prevent people from fleeing to safer areas, forcing them to take refuge in overcrowded refugee camps, increasing risks, especially hygiene.
Almost 6.7 million people are displaced, and thousands continue to leave Sudan every day in search of safety in neighbouring countries. To date, 1.8 million people have crossed into Chad, Egypt, South Sudan, Ethiopia and the Central African Republic.
As reported by Human Rights Watch, the most widespread crimes against humanity and war crimes have been committed in the context of a campaign of ethnic cleansing against the Massalit ethnic group and other non-Arab populations in and around El Geneina. Abuses increased in early November, and included torture, rape and looting.
According to Human Right Watch, targeting the Massalit people and other non-Arab communities by committing serious violations against them, with the apparent aim of getting them to leave the region for good, results in a case of ethnic cleansing.
The possibility of genocide in Darfur requires urgent action by all governments and international institutions to protect civilians. They should ensure that it is investigated whether the facts prove the specific intent of the RSF leadership and its allies to destroy all or part of the Massalit and other ethnic communities.
As UN News reported, despite the volatile security environment, which continues to affect their operations, UN agencies and their partners are committed to provide the necessary aid.
To read more, visit:
https://www.unhcr.org/news/briefing-notes/grave-concern-over-civilians-cut-life-saving-aid-sudan
https://www.hrw.org/news/2024/05/09/sudan-ethnic-cleansing-west-darfur
https://news.un.org/en/story/2024/05/1149446
