CRITICAL SHORTAGES OF ESSENTIAL SUPPLIES IN SUDANESE REFUGEE CAMPS

Sudan – The humanitarian crisis in Sudan has escalated to alarming levels, with nearly half of the population experiencing severe hunger and millions teetering on the brink of starvation due to the Civil War between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces.

Raudhat Saddam from the HORN International Institute for Strategic Studies highlights that conditions in Sudanese refugee camps are particularly dire. The disruption of humanitarian aid and essential services has resulted in critical food, water, and medicine shortages.

Additionally, overcrowding in these camps has exacerbated issues related to shelter and sanitation, further intensifying the hardships the affected population faces.

“There’s also been an impact on women and children. We know that women and children are disproportionately affected by conflict due to the heightened levels of gender-based violence, which includes sexual violence as well as trafficking. In any case, where there’s a breakdown of law and order, it is always extremely dangerous for women and children.”

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The Impact of the War on Neighbouring Countries

The civil war that erupted in April of last year has resulted in extensive violence across Sudan, including reports of ethnic cleansing and the displacement of millions of its citizens.

Saddam noted several factors that have exacerbated the humanitarian crisis, including the battles in the nation’s capital and internal conflicts among tribal groups in other regions. The collapse of ceasefires has further deteriorated the situation, leading to increased civilian casualties and widespread displacement.

“At the moment, there has been a wide series of interconnected crises that are arising from this conflict in Sudan.”

Saddam points out that the influx of displaced Sudanese refugees has placed additional strain on the resources of neighbouring countries, many of which are already dealing with their own internal issues. This increased pressure to accommodate the refugees has significantly strained food supplies, healthcare systems, and other essential services.

“It is within the situation that the International Community steps in to try and help the host countries and also Sudan, not only to come to peace but also to help cater to the needs of the displaced persons who are now finding themselves displaced within Sudan and also within the neighbouring countries.”

The brutal conflict in Sudan is among the most severe in recent history. The prospects for a peaceful resolution remain uncertain, with both sides deeply entrenched. However, as Saddam noted, regional and international actors’ ongoing negotiation and mediation efforts provide some hope for the millions affected by the crisis.

“Through mediation, both regional and international parties offer us some hope. We’ve had actors like the African Union, the United Nations, and other stakeholders involved in this process. However, we must admit that progress has been slow.”

“Perhaps what we can focus on at the moment is the importance of both parties in this conflict adhering to international humanitarian law, especially in regard to protecting civilians and prohibiting violence against them. Ensuring some level of accountability for the violations being perpetuated against the civilian population in Sudan is crucial.”