The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has revealed that the Sudan conflict has left over 13.6 million children in urgent need of lifesaving humanitarian support, the highest number ever recorded in the country.
The Agency who disclosed this in a statement released on Tuesday said the need for humanitarian assistance has never been more critical for children in Sudan, as the most vulnerable populations struggle to survive and be protected.
As the conflict in Sudan passes the six-week mark, access to basic necessities is becoming increasingly difficult to secure while prior to the conflict, nearly nine million children were already in urgent need of humanitarian aid.
The impact of ongoing violence continues to threaten the lives and futures of families and children, leaving basic services cut off and many health facilities closed, damaged, or destroyed.
UNICEF Regional Director for the Middle East and North Africa, Adele Khodr said, “As the conflict in Sudan rages on, toll on children continues to grow more devastating by the day”.
Adding that, “These children are not just numbers, they are individuals with families, dreams and aspirations.
“They are the future of Sudan, and we cannot stand by while their lives are torn apart by violence. The children of Sudan deserve a chance to survive and thrive. No efforts should be spared by all actors to protect the children and their rights”.
“Despite challenges with humanitarian access and security due to the active conflict UNICEF continues to deliver in Sudan and together with partners we have been able to deliver much-needed health, water and sanitation and nutrition supplies across the country,” said Khodr.
The Agency emphasized a situation that was already dire for children before the conflict is now at catastrophic levels, with access to food, safe water, electricity, telecoms unreliable, inaccessible and unaffordable.
“Over one million people have fled their homes and are internally displaced in Sudan, including 319,000 who have crossed into neighbouring countries so far, half of whom are believed to be children”.
UNICEF stressed that without an immediate and extensive humanitarian response, the consequences of displacement, lack of basic social services, protection will have devastating – and long-term – effects on children.
While overall appeal has increased by US$253 million to meet the additional urgent needs, including to expand the treatment of over 620,000 children suffering from severe acute malnutrition, half of whom may die if not helped in time.
“Six weeks into the conflict, the UNICEF continues to deliver life-saving health, nutrition and water supplies, but to reach more families we urgently need additional funds”, the Agency said.