New York: UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric announced that approximately 638,000 individuals in Sudan are experiencing catastrophic hunger conditions, classified as phase 5 of the Integrated Food Security Classification (IPC). He reported that there are accounts of starvation-related deaths in regions such as Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum, during a daily press briefing at the UN headquarters.

According to Qatar News Agency, the situation in Sudan is dire, with 4.7 million children under five, along with pregnant and breastfeeding women and girls, suffering from acute malnutrition. Dujarric emphasized the tragedy of the situation and the need for immediate action, urging all parties involved in the conflict to prioritize the welfare of the people and cease hostilities.

The spokesperson highlighted the necessity of expanding access and establishing new humanitarian corridors across borders and conflict lines to deliver aid and prevent further starvation. In February, Edmore Tondhlana from the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Sudan warned that around 30 million Sudanese require urgent humanitarian assistance. The ongoing conflict, which has persisted for approximately 20 months, exacerbates the humanitarian crisis.

The armed conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and Rapid Support Forces (RSF), ongoing since April 2023, has resulted in over 20,000 fatalities and displaced nearly 14 million people. Reports from the UN and local sources highlight the severe impact on the population, underscoring the urgent need for international attention and intervention.