Sudan is bleeding in silence: A humanitarian crisis the world cannot ignore

July 26, 2025

Since April 2023, Sudan has been engulfed in a devastating conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), creating one of the world's most overlooked humanitarian crises. According to various organizations including the IOM and NRC, between 10-15 million people have been internally displaced, with an additional 11 million fleeing to neighboring countries like Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia. The conflict has destroyed civilian infrastructure, targeted hospitals, and created severe food insecurity, with UNICEF reporting over 14 million children in urgent need of humanitarian assistance, including 4 million suffering from acute malnutrition.

Who is affected

Millions of Sudanese civilians, with over 10-15 million internally displaced
Over 11 million refugees who have fled to neighboring countries (Chad, South Sudan, Egypt, and Ethiopia)
Over 14 million children in need of humanitarian assistance, including 4 million with acute malnutrition
Women and girls experiencing increased gender-based violence and exploitation
Residents of urban centers like Khartoum and the Darfur region, especially El Geneina
Populations in neighboring countries facing pressure from refugee influxes
Over 25 million people requiring humanitarian assistance overall

What action is being taken

Humanitarian organizations like MSF are providing medical care despite attacks on their staff and facilities
The United Nations has established a 2024 Sudan response plan (though it remains critically underfunded at less than 20%)
The World Food Programme and other aid agencies are attempting to deliver humanitarian assistance despite severe logistical challenges
Diplomatic efforts are being made to establish ceasefires, including a recent UK-led conference in London
Both warring factions are using social media for propaganda and recruitment campaigns

Why it matters

The conflict has created one of the largest humanitarian crises in the world
It's destabilizing an entire region, putting pressure on already fragile neighboring states
Essential infrastructure including hospitals has been destroyed, leaving millions without access to healthcare
Critical levels of food insecurity and malnutrition are causing preventable deaths, especially among children
The conflict has disrupted education for millions of children as schools have closed or been repurposed as shelters
The crisis receives disproportionately little international attention and funding compared to its severity
Ethnically targeted killings have been documented, raising concerns about potential atrocities

What's next

No explicit next steps stated in the article

Read full article from source: Global Voices