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13 million children in dire need for humanitarian assistance as Sudan conflict rages on

Displaced children who fled the ongoing violence by two rival Sudanese generals, play in the courtyard of the university of Al-Jazira, transformed into a makeshift shelter, in al-Hasahisa south of Khartoum on July 8, 2023. (Photo by AFP)

By Paul Aginnah | Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Unicef currently needs $840 million to provide essential child protection, education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene and cash interventions.

The situation in Sudan is distressing, particularly for the country's children. Many of the children in this conflict-stricken country are not only unfortunate but also vulnerable.

According to the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (Unicef), the ongoing conflict has caused an urgent need for humanitarian assistance for over 13.6 million children.

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Out of the over six million displaced Sudanese, more than half of them are children, making it the largest child displacement crisis globally.

The consequences of inaction are grave, as over 700,000 children with severe malnutrition are at high risk of not surviving without treatment, and 1.7 million children under one year of age are at risk of missing life-saving vaccinations like polio, tuberculosis and diphtheria among others.

Similarly, a generation of children is at risk of missing out on education, despite it being a fundamental human right. Millions are also lacking safety, clothing, shelter and psychological well-being.

In response to these challenges, Unicef is working to address the needs of children in Sudan.

Unicef has and continues to provide critical supplies and services in conflict areas. The agency also offers urgent assistance to displaced and host communities in states receiving large numbers of displaced persons.

To continue this vital work, Unicef currently needs $840 million to provide essential child protection, education, health, nutrition, water, sanitation, hygiene and cash interventions.

This funding will go a long way to help save children's lives, ease their suffering, and uphold their dignity as efforts continue to support and care for the vulnerable children of Sudan.

In 2021, Sudan experienced a coup that ended the civilian transitional government formed after President Omar al-Bashir's ouster in 2019.

A power struggle between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) escalated, leading to violent clashes across Sudan on April 15, 2023.

Khartoum, the capital city, and surrounding areas witnessed extensive violence. The conflict has today escalated beyond Khartoum causing significant disruption and humanitarian crises.

Sudan's future hangs in uncertainty as it navigates the consequences of the coup and strives for stability.