Today's Edition
SHABAAN BILAL (CAIRO)
Victoria Sáez-Ominaka, Director of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs of the United Nations in Sudan, confirmed that Sudan is facing one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, which is worsening every day. Millions of people are struggling to survive, and 4.5 million people have been displaced both within and outside the country, she said.
Sáez-Ominaka, in an interview with Aletihad, said that many people are unable to escape the violence, especially in Khartoum, and the Darfur and Kordofan regions. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives, she added.
Millions Suffering
Sáez-Ominaka mentioned that there are over 6 million people “only a step away” from famine. Approximately half the population needs assistance and life-saving protection, and the fighting has destroyed the civil infrastructure, rendering most hospitals out of service, she said. The working hospitals suffer from a shortage of supplies and are struggling to deal with the influx of new patients. The UN official pointed out that women, girls, children, the elderly, and the vulnerable bear the brunt of this situation.
UN Efforts
Speaking about the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs’ efforts to support Sudan amidst the crisis, Sáez-Ominaka clarified that the UN continues to support local partners and expand the scope of relief efforts across the country. Since the start of the crisis, the UN agencies have assisted over 3 million people with the aim to reach even more, she said.
“Unfortunately, the UN faces major challenges regarding security, and has difficulties accessing targeted groups,” she said, urging all parties involved in the crisis to respect international humanitarian law and provide life-saving assistance quickly and safely, in addition to stopping attacks on humanitarian workers, facilities, and assets, and preventing the looting of supplies.
Sáez-Ominaka emphasised that more donor support is required to ensure the availability of adequate supplies. Currently, the UN’s response plan to assist millions of Sudanese people is funded at just slightly over a quarter of its goal.
The UN official also pointed out that violence is escalating daily, and that the situation on the ground is deteriorating. The consequences will be even more catastrophic if the conflict persists, she warned.
Endangered Children
Sáez-Ominaka also stressed that the economy is in a “free fall”, with 20.3 million people struggling to get a basic meal. According to reports received by the UN, hundreds of children have died due to malnutrition. If the current situation continues, it could portend a real risk of famine, primarily if the conflict extends to regions adjacent to Khartoum, the major agricultural producer.
The UN official stated that continued mass movements of people, both within the country and to neighbouring countries, will put additional pressure on limited resources. Unless urgent action is taken, the regional instability could worsen, resulting in even more humanitarian consequences, she said.
“Before the crisis erupted, there were 3.7 million internally displaced people in Sudan, many of whom have been in long-term displacement since the peak of the Darfur conflict between 2003 and 2006. Children are particularly affected, with 14 million of them needing humanitarian assistance. Women and girls continue to be victims of widespread violence, reported at alarming levels,” Sáez-Ominaka said.
Ceasefire
Sáez-Ominaka confirmed that humanitarian workers are committed to providing assistance, risking their lives to help the affected during these difficult times. She urged international partners and regional stakeholders to increase the support for humanitarian efforts – not only in funding but also by raising awareness and advocating for the safe delivery of vital aid, and pushing for a binding ceasefire agreement before the situation worsens.
