Sudan Crisis

​Sudan is facing a severe food security catastrophe. More than half of the population is food insecure, with famine already confirmed in multiple areas. One year since famine was first confirmed in Sudan’s Zamzam camp in North Darfur, families trapped inside the besieged state capital, El Fasher, face starvation.

In neighbouring countries, where more than 4.4 million people have been forced to flee, the situation is no better. With reduced food rations, reduced malnutrition screening, and limited medical follow-ups due to reduced community health workers, the medical protection risks, especially for children, are devastating. For instance, in Chad, 1 in 10 newly arrived Sudanese children under 5 are suffering from severe acute malnutrition and 1 in 10 pregnant and breastfeeding women are affected by moderate acute malnutrition.

Before the conflict broke out, Sudan generously hosted one of the largest refugee populations in Africa, providing refuge to just over one million people who had fled conflict in countries such as South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia and Syria.

Due to the ongoing conflict, many refugees previously living in Sudan have returned to their home countries, such as South Sudan, the Central African Republic and Ethiopia.

​Women and girls in Sudan face heightened risks of gender-based violence due to the ongoing conflict. Women and girls who have fled to South Sudan face barriers to sexual and reproductive health services and protection from gender-based violence, as health systems are overwhelmed and basic services remain constrained.

UNHCR and partners are working across multiple states to provide prevention, awareness and response services – this includes dignity kits, psychosocial support, legal aid, income-generating opportunities and training on protection from sexual exploitation and abuse.

Prior to the conflict escalating in 2023, Sudan hosted the second largest refugee population in Africa, made up of individuals fleeing conflict and persecution in neighbouring countries such as South Sudan, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Chad, Syria and Yemen. Many are now facing displacement for a second time, forced to return home or flee to fragile neighbouring countries.

Despite the security situation, UNHCR is providing protection services and critical lifesaving assistance to the most vulnerable forcibly displaced people and host communities across the country and in the region. Over 1.2 million healthcare consultations have taken place, helping Sudanese refugees and displaced families get the medical care they desperately need.

208,000 displaced people have received emergency shelter assistance, providing protection and security to families forced to flee their homes. 150,000 people have received cash assistance to buy the food and essentials they need most.

UNHCR has well-established operations across Sudan, as well as in neighbouring countries. However, whilst the conflict continues, aid delivery and protection in some of the conflict-affected communities in Sudan remains challenging. UNHCR is calling on all parties to stop the conflict and ensure people are protected, so that humanitarian operations can continue.

UNHCR is also urging neighbouring countries to keep their borders open to fleeing civilians. Due to the violence experienced by those crossing the border, psychosocial support is among UNHCR’s top priorities.