By Areeka Khan
A child receives treatment for malnutrition at Rifa'a Hospital in Gezira state, Sudan in October, 2023. Earlier this year, UN humanitarians warned that an alarming 700,000 children in Sudan are experiencing the most severe and life-threatening hunger due to the conflict. Photo - Faiz Abubakr
The civil war in Sudan has caused a severe humanitarian crisis, impacting approximately 26 million people who are experiencing food shortages. Food scarcity has forced people to resort to eating leaves and dirt to overcome their hunger.
The Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) have intentionally blocked access to humanitarian aid. Long delays in issuing visas and travel permits by the Khartoum government for United Nations staff and other humanitarian organizations have also hindered the delivery of aid.
The RSF has looted 86 humanitarian organization offices and 50 warehouses. The RSF has stolen 220 NGO vehicles. 3,000 humanitarian personnel have ceased working in Sudan due to the fighting. Since the conflict began, 32 aid workers have been detained and at least 20 have been killed.
Farming has stopped in Darfur and other parts of Sudan. Farmers have abandoned their fields and have had their harvested crops stolen by the RSF. Many farmers have fled due to the war. The displaced population faces the spread of diseases such as malaria.
1.4 million people have sought refuge in neighboring countries such as the Central African Republic, Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, and South Sudan. Most of the refugees are living in dire humanitarian conditions, facing shortages of food, water, and medicines.
The deliberate and intentional obstruction of humanitarian aid and attacks on humanitarian relief personnel by the RSF and SAF are war crimes.
Genocide Watch recommends:
Sudan Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF) must immediately halt all hostilities and facilitate unimpeded passage for humanitarian assistance.
The government of Sudan must immediately issue visas and travel permits for United Nations staff and personnel of other humanitarian organizations.