Over 10 million children in Sudan exposed to the horrors of war – Report

A new Save The Children report has indicated the devastating situation faced by Sudan’s roughly 10 million children, who have been pushed into the heart of a year-long battle. The report indicated the urgent necessity for political leaders to intervene and put an end to the violence.

Children on the front lines

According to the survey, more than half of Sudan’s youngsters live or have lived within five kilometres of the conflict’s front lines. Their proximity exposes them to the dangers of shooting, shelling, airstrikes, and other sorts of violence.

Escalation of violence

Collaborating with the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED), the analysis revealed a startling 60% increase in the number of youngsters exposed to violence since the conflict began. The political impasse between Sudanese army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan and paramilitary leader Mohamed Hamdan “Hemedti” Dagalo devolved into open conflict in April 2023, worsening the situation even further.

Impact on children

Since the start of clashes in Khartoum on April 15, 2023, more than 10 million children have been directly exposed to the horrors of warfare, bombs, mortar and missile strikes, and attacks on people. The majority of these violent episodes have happened in highly populated locations, increasing the risk of trauma for many children.

Dire humanitarian crisis

Save The Children’s head in Sudan, Dr. Arif Noor, stressed on the severe conditions that Sudanese children suffer. According to him, millions of people lack access to proper food, and 3.8 million suffer from malnutrition. The crumbling health-care system exacerbates the issue, leaving thousands susceptible to sickness. Furthermore, no youngster has been able to attend school for the past year.

“Next week, when global and regional leaders come together in Paris, they must urgently prioritise both political and financial solutions to this crisis. They must do everything in their power to find solutions to end the fighting and work directly with the parties to the conflict to ensure they are adhering to their obligations under international law,” Dr Noor appealed.

Migrant crisis and impending famine

Approximately nine million people have been displaced in Sudan, with millions fleeing their homes. The United Nations and other relief organisations have warned of an approaching famine in many sections of the country, with children being particularly vulnerable. According to the research, if nothing is done soon, 230,000 children and new mothers may go hungry.

Mounting death toll and displacement

By the end of 2023, at least 12,000 civilians had been killed. However, the actual amount is speculated to be far higher. Sudan is experiencing the world’s worst internal displacement catastrophe, with 25 million Sudanese—half of its population—in desperate need. Despite the UN Security Council’s pleas for a truce, the violence continues.

Urgent humanitarian response needed

Save the Children has urgently requested additional cash to address the humanitarian crisis in Sudan. Currently, the UN’s response plan is severely underfunded, with a gap of about $2.5 billion. Immediate action is required to alleviate the suffering of Sudan’s most vulnerable children and lessen the destructive effects of the ongoing conflict.