Resilience Amidst Turmoil: Navigating the Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan

Executive Summary

Sudan is currently facing the most significant internal displacement crisis globally, with over 9 million individuals displaced due to ongoing conflicts between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The crisis has severely impacted healthcare, leading to attacks on facilities, a shortage of medical supplies, and heightened vulnerabilities for women and girls, including increased risks of gender-based violence.

Situation Overview

• Displacement: The conflict has led to the displacement of more than 6 million people within Sudan, making it the most significant internal displacement crisis worldwide.
• Healthcare Challenges: The healthcare system, already weakened by prolonged conflict and economic instability, faces further strain with over 60 verified attacks on facilities. Essential services are significantly compromised, affecting maternal health and leading to malnutrition among pregnant and lactating women.
• Vulnerability of Women and Girls: The conflict has exacerbated protection threats for women and girls, including kidnapping, forced marriage, and sexual violence. Gender inequalities are expected to worsen, increasing the risk of gender-based violence.

Response Efforts

• UNFPA Initiatives: Despite the challenges, UNFPA continues to provide essential health and protection services, including clinical management of rape and GBV response services. Mobile clinics have been deployed, and efforts are made to ensure the availability of GBV and SRH services in remote areas.
• Capacity Building and Coordination: Significant efforts are underway to build the capacity of frontline GBV service providers and ensure effective coordination among various stakeholders. Updated GBV referral pathways and technical guidance on GBV interventions have been developed to enhance service delivery.
• Prevention of Sexual Exploitation and Abuse: UNFPA is working with partners to maintain an environment that prevents sexual exploitation and abuse, ensuring that affected populations are supported, respected, and empowered.

Challenges and Needs

• Operational Constraints: The response efforts face operational challenges due to security, logistical, and communication constraints. Limited access to SRH services, particularly emergency obstetric and newborn care, remains a critical issue.
• Funding Requirements: UNFPA has appealed for significant funding to address the needs related to GBV, SRH, and refugee response in Sudan. The funding gap remains a substantial concern, necessitating continued support from the international community.

Conclusion

The humanitarian crisis in Sudan, driven by the conflict between the SAF and RSF, demands urgent attention and action. SIHRO calls for enhanced international support and collaboration to address the affected population’s immediate needs and mitigate the crisis’s long-term impacts.