The United Nations warns of worsening hunger in Sudanese regions

The United Nations has warned of a stark discrepancy in the improvement of food security between the Sudanese regions that witnessed a decline in violence, and the worsening hunger experienced by those severely affected by the conflict, which were either cut off from humanitarian aid or were subject to siege.

 

According to the United Nations Information Center, the latest analysis conducted by the Famine Review Committee of the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification confirmed the occurrence of famine in the cities of El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur, and Kadugli, the capital. The Commission also confirmed that an additional 20 areas in Greater Darfur and Greater Kordofan are at risk of famine, including several new locations in East Darfur and South Kordofan. A slight improvement in the overall food security situation in the country, stressing that 3.4 million people are no longer facing the crisis level of “stage three and above.” The improvements are attributed to gradual stabilization and increased humanitarian access in Khartoum, Gezira and Sennar states, where conflict has eased since May this year. Agriculture “FAO” In a joint statement, UNICEF and UNICEF called for ending hostilities and providing safe, unhindered and sustainable humanitarian access to prevent further loss of life and protect livelihoods in Sudan.

 

The three UN agencies warned that the gains mentioned in the analysis are limited and very local, explaining that families returning to Khartoum and Gezira states have lost everything and will struggle to benefit from the expected good agricultural conditions.

 

In this context, the Director of FAO Emergency and Resilience’s Rein Poulsen, the organization’s commitment to supporting communities, adding that restoring access and enabling local food production “are essential to save lives and protect livelihoods.” Nutrition.

 

In turn, UNICEF Director of Emergency Operations Lucia Elmi said, “The deadly combination of hunger, disease and displacement puts millions of children at risk, and that girls often bear the greatest burden, as they face increased risks of malnutrition and gender-based violence, and are dropped out of schools.” 

 

Lucia stressed that “ Therapeutic food, clean water, essential medicines and health services can save lives, “but only if we can reach children in time.”

For his part, Director of Emergency Operations at the World Food Program “Ross Smith” highlighted: He highlighted the remarkable results when providing vital aid, as “families rebuild themselves, markets recover, and children get the food they need to survive.” 

But he warned that conflict “continues to determine who eats and who doesn’t,” with many communities pushed toward famine simply because of inaccessibility, adding: “We need additional funding and sustainable, unhindered access now to stop the spread of Famine.

 

The three UN agencies confirmed that they are giving priority to the most affected areas by providing integrated support in the areas of food, nutrition, health, water, sanitation, hygiene, protection, and agricultural and animal health.

 

However, they stressed that access remains inconsistent, and humanitarian workers and supplies are often targeted, while aid convoys face delays. rejection and security threats, noting that without sustainable safe access, adequate funding, and an end to violence, “famine will continue to claim lives in Sudan.”

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