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How has COVID-19 impacted the humanitarian crisis in Sudan?
Urgent Action Needed: OCHA Appeals to Security Council to Combat Famine in Sudan
The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has issued an urgent appeal to the United Nations Security Council to take action to combat the worsening famine in Sudan. The East African nation has been grappling with food insecurity and escalating violence, leading to a dire humanitarian crisis that requires immediate attention and intervention.
Background
Sudan has been facing a multi-faceted humanitarian crisis due to ongoing conflicts, economic instability, and climate-related challenges. The situation has been compounded by the impact of COVID-19, which has strained an already fragile health system and disrupted livelihoods. As a result, millions of people are now at risk of severe hunger and malnutrition, with children and vulnerable populations being the most affected.
OCHA’s Call for Action
OCHA, as the UN entity responsible for coordinating humanitarian response efforts, has underscored the urgent need for robust and sustained support to avert a full-blown famine in Sudan. The agency has called on the Security Council to prioritize the following key actions:
- Provide immediate funding for emergency food assistance and nutrition programs
- Ensure safe and unimpeded access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid to affected communities
- Support efforts to address the root causes of the crisis, including conflict resolution and sustainable development initiatives
Security Council’s Role
The United Nations Security Council plays a crucial role in addressing global security and humanitarian challenges, including those related to food insecurity and famine. By heeding OCHA’s appeal and taking decisive action, the Security Council can make a significant impact in mitigating the suffering of vulnerable populations in Sudan. Moreover, the council’s involvement can help mobilize the international community to provide the necessary resources and support for a comprehensive and sustainable response.
International Support and Solidarity
Addressing the famine in Sudan requires a concerted effort from the international community, including governments, multilateral organizations, and civil society. By rallying together, countries can pool resources, expertise, and technical assistance to address the immediate humanitarian needs while also laying the groundwork for long-term recovery and resilience building.
Next Steps and Accountability
Following OCHA’s appeal, it is imperative for the Security Council to prioritize discussions and actions related to the famine in Sudan. This should include deliberations on funding allocations, support for humanitarian operations, and diplomatic initiatives to address underlying drivers of the crisis. Additionally, accountability mechanisms must be put in place to ensure that commitments made are honored and that the affected populations receive the necessary assistance without delay.
Way Forward
As the global community grapples with multiple humanitarian crises, including the COVID-19 pandemic, climate change, and conflicts, the plight of millions of people facing famine in Sudan cannot be overlooked. By standing in solidarity and taking prompt and decisive action, the Security Council and the international community can help avert a humanitarian catastrophe and provide hope for a better future for the people of Sudan.
| Appeal Area | Key Actions |
|---|---|
| Emergency Funding | Provide immediate financial support for food and nutrition assistance programs. |
| Unimpeded Access | Ensure safe and unrestricted access for humanitarian organizations to deliver aid. |
| Conflict Resolution | Support efforts to address the root causes of the crisis, including conflict resolution. |
The appeals made by OCHA encompass critical areas that require immediate attention and resources to prevent the situation from deteriorating further.
In Conclusion
As the international community grapples with a multitude of challenges, addressing the famine in Sudan is an urgent imperative that demands concerted and sustained action. By heeding OCHA’s appeals and supporting the Security Council’s efforts, stakeholders can make a tangible difference in the lives of millions of people facing severe food insecurity and malnutrition in Sudan. Together, we can work towards a future where the people of Sudan have access to essential resources, opportunities for prosperity, and hope for a brighter tomorrow.
Briefing on the Plight of Sudan
A report was delivered to the Security Council by Edem Wosornu, OCHA’s Director of Operations and Advocacy in place of Joyce Msuya, acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator. The brief addressed the dire humanitarian situation in Syria.
The magnitude of the calamity in Sudan is devastating. The distressing state includes a staggering 26 million individuals experiencing acute hunger. To put this number into perspective, it equates to three times the population of New York City, underscoring how extensive this crisis truly is.
Moreover, over 10 million people have been compelled to abandon their homes due to violence, impoverishment, and scarcity. Highlighting an example from Sennar State where 726,000 individuals were displaced within or from it after just six weeks following an advance by Rapid Support Forces into the state.
The collapse of Sudan’s healthcare system has further exacerbated issues as two-thirds of its citizens cannot access medical facilities nor receive essential treatment. Meanwhile, heavy rains have caused flooding – raising concerns for cholera outbreaks and other waterborne diseases among displaced communities in locations such as Kassala and North Darfur.
Pademic-related lockdowns forced another year where children missed out on schooling while Khartoum lay crippled – once thriving but now ruined through years of turmoil.
Recently revealed confirmed famine conditions near El Fasher emphasize how detrimental the situation has become; further exposing one camp with grim statistics as approximately one child died every two hours from malnourishment at this same site which was warned about six months ago by Médecins Sans Frontières (Doctors Without Borders).
Heeding these harrowing developments is essential as evidence indicates famine conditions are probable in other displacement camps nearby El Fasher concluding that urgent action needs to be taken before it worsens any further.
In addition to food insecurity being rampant across Sudan due to socio-political unrest spanning almost a year-and-a-half comprising conflict involving death tolls imposed upon vulnerable civilians and witnessing widespread destruction across critical infrastructure needful for civil society survival; concerns now surround reports highlighting incidences signaling potential war crimes throughout these confrontations with women suffering deeply.
Lastly are grave threats posed against global security if pleas made earlier concerning international aid work no longer hold relevance.
Responding urgently requires halting ongoing conflict thereby permitting safe passage for aid workers while also necessitating sufficient provisions lest rescues halt entirely without necessary funding or increased assistance beyond existing efforts mustered so far if expectations hope not exist merely confined within lofty rhetoric without ensuring actual materialization happening around us right now.
