The ongoing conflict in Darfur is intensifying. The prolonged attacks between the two factions (Rapid Support Forces - RSF and regular military are impacting on the civilian population and the situation is becoming increasingly dire as the conflict continues. As a result, millions of people are fleeing areas that are more susceptible to risk. The majority ultimately seek refuge in refugee camps, where they encounter further challenges. The Zamzam camp is one of the destinations for individuals seeking refuge from the conflict and it is estimated that the camp is home to between 300,000 and 500,000 individuals.
In the context of ongoing conflict, it is imperative to prioritize food security and the right to food, and to ensure their fulfillment. The World Food Summit of 1996 defined food security as the ability to access sufficient, safe and nutritious food in order to maintain a healthy and active life. This should be accompanied by the protection of the right to food, which is realized when every individual, regardless of their circumstances, always has physical and economic access to adequate food or the means for its procurement. This is defined by the CESCR (Committee on Economic and Social Rights), General Comment No. 12, para. 6 International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights.
However, the latest screening from Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) indicates that the prevalence of malnutrition, particularly among children, has continued to increase in the country. Furthermore, the unavailability of supplies has resulted in a reduction in the scope of humanitarian action. In particular, those residing in Zamzam camp and the surrounding area of El-Fasher have not received the resources necessary for survival, despite the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification Famine Review Committee's declaration that famine constituted a significant threat in the region. The discussions held in Geneva in mid-August did not result in any tangible changes to the interventions.
Since May, the RSF have exercised control over most of the routes leading to the camp, thereby impeding the delivery of resources. MSF declares that, among the 29,000 children under the age of five who were screened in early September in Zamzam camp, 10% suffered from severe acute malnutrition and 34% from global acute malnutrition. The second condition is as significant as the first one as if not treated effectively and in a timely manner it will evolve into severe acute malnutrition. The preceding mass screening, conducted in March 2024, indicated that 8% of the total population was affected by severe acute malnutrition, while the global acute malnutrition rate was 29%.
Even though there are still residual quantities of stored food available, they are insufficient to meet the nutritional requirements of the entire population. Furthermore, the cost of food has increased threefold in comparison to the rest of the Darfur region, due to the shortages.
Thus, Michel Olivier Lacharité, head of emergency operations for MSF, asserts the necessity of international action and calls upon the UN and all international community to acknowledge the situation and take action to facilitate the delivery of food and other essential supplies to the region.
To read more, visit:
- https://www.msf.org/food-must-be-delivered-people-starved-blockade-zamzam-camp
- https://www.fanpage.it/esteri/perche-in-sudan-e-scoppiata-la-guerra-e-cosa-centrano-la-russia-e-il-battaglione-wagner/#:~:text=In%20realt%C3%A0,%20Abdel%20Fattah%20al-Burhan%20e%20Mohamed
- https://documents.un.org/doc/undoc/gen/g99/420/12/pdf/g9942012.pdf
- https://www.msf.org/who-we-are
- https://www.ipcinfo.org/ipcinfo-website/resources/resources-details/en/c/1152968/#:~:text=A%20Famine%20classification%20%28IPC%20Phase%205%29%20is%20the,or%20to%20the%20interaction%20of%20malnutrition%20and%20disease.
