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The ongoing conflict that erupted in April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has wrought havoc on civilian infrastructure and basic services across Sudan, leading to one of the world’s most severe displacement crises. In particular, North Darfur has been hit hard, with a recent UNICEF report revealing alarming malnutrition rates among children under five. A nutrition survey in Um Baru locality found that over 53% of these children are acutely malnourished, which far exceeds the World Health Organization’s emergency threshold. The report notes that 18% are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, a condition that poses an immediate risk of death without treatment.
UNICEF’s Executive Director, Catherine Russell, emphasized the urgency of the situation, stating that for these children, time is of the essence. Many families, newly displaced from El Fasher—North Darfur’s capital—are sheltering in Um Baru and have missed essential immunizations. This leaves them vulnerable to diseases, further compounding the crisis of hunger and illness. Current emergency conditions have also led to alarming mortality rates among the displaced population, highlighting the lethal combination of malnutrition, illness, and inadequate health services.
While some life-saving supplies have been pre-positioned, UNICEF warns that merely providing nutrition treatment is insufficient given the scale of the crisis. Comprehensive health and nutrition services are urgently needed. Despite these urgent requirements, humanitarian access remains severely restricted. The UN conducted its first security assessment in El Fasher since the siege began, identifying a critical shortage of basic supplies and services. Humanitarian convoys attempting to deliver food and medical assistance have been obstructed for months.
Externally, the situation continues to deteriorate as refugee flows into Chad increase, with nearly 19,400 Sudanese refugees reported crossing the border. A significant proportion of these newcomers—about 87%—are women and children, many of whom arrive traumatized and exhausted after fleeing violence. Reports indicate over 2,700 unaccompanied or separated children and more than 1,100 individuals with disabilities among the refugees. Insufficient safety conditions have led to average daily crossings of about 250 refugees into Chad, with warnings from the UNHCR that these movements will likely persist due to ongoing hostilities and economic disarray in Sudan.
Recent conflict at the Tiné border crossing has complicated humanitarian efforts, underscoring the precarious situation faced by both displaced individuals and aid workers. In summary, the ongoing war has created a dire humanitarian situation in Sudan, particularly affecting children, and poses significant challenges for both affected populations and humanitarian agencies attempting to deliver aid. Urgent and comprehensive action is needed to mitigate the crisis and protect those affected.
