Anger at ‘bloody unacceptable’ efforts to end Sudan’s war as conflict enters fourth year | Global development

Efforts to end Sudan’s devastating war have been criticized as “unacceptable” by the country’s top UN official; because a series of new reports confirm that the world’s biggest humanitarian crisis is worsening.

Speaking to the Guardian on the eve of the war’s third anniversary, Denise Brown He expressed concern at the apparent lack of political urgency to end a challenging conflict. 14 million Sudanese people are fleeing their homes. Tens of thousands of people are missing.

a in front of you conference Brown, who said many hopes in Berlin on Wednesday could push Sudan closer to the top of the diplomatic agenda, said: “It seems to me that every conversation about Sudan is about the humanitarian crisis. How about we focus on finding a solution to end the war?”

An attempt was made to summarize the remaining crisis 33 million people in need It is estimated that assistance has been provided and killed at least 150,000 peopleThe UN chief in Sudan said: “This is completely unacceptable. It is unacceptable for the world to focus on other crises and turn entirely to these crises to find solutions: why not here?”

The extent of Sudan’s deepening suffering is underlined by a raft of new reports published ahead of April 15, the third anniversary of the devastating war between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the Sudanese army.

New Islamic Aid research It reveals that almost half of Sudan’s vital community kitchens, which are a lifeline for millions of people, have closed in the past six months, increasing hunger and the threat of famine.

Two other studies also confirm the food crisis. First, by a coalition including aid organizations. Action Against Hungerfound that millions of Sudanese survive on one meal a day. Mercy Corps analysis He highlighted the alarming disruption in one of the country’s most important food-producing regions.

With conflict showing no signs of abating, more research is chronicling it intentional targeting According to the Sudanese Association of American Physicians, 37 percent of hospitals were described as “dysfunctional” and there were more than 200 documented attacks on healthcare facilities.

Overall, the war has set Sudan’s economy back more than 30 years, according to a detailed assessment by the UN Development Program and the Institute for Security Studies. This assessment found that an additional 34 million people could be pushed into poverty if conflict continues until 2030.

Meanwhile, investigators are trying to track down tens of thousands of civilians reported missing or forcibly disappeared since the start of the war.

missing persons cases recorded According to data from the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in Sudan, the number stands at over 11,000, an increase of more than 40% last year, and the real figure is believed to be many times higher.

Last year the ICRC helped 62,000 families Tracking down missing relatives confirms the chaotic nature of the conflict.

Daniel O’Malley, head of the ICRC in Sudan, said: “There is a continuing pattern of people disappearing, disappearing, especially when a place changes hands.”

One of those currently searching for a loved one is Fatima, who was sent from the city of El Obeid to Port Sudan, 1,200 kilometers (750 miles) away, after her stepson disappeared during fighting in Kordofan state, the current center of the conflict.

“My stepson has been missing for a year. We don’t know whether he is alive or dead,” Fatima said.

His comments came as the German government prepares to host last conference It’s an event that aid organizations hope will generate more funding in Sudan and pressure the warring parties to allow humanitarian access across the vast country.

Various attempts at “peace talk” have failed to stop the violence, which is characterized by repeated incidents of brutality and violence. war crimes – both sides apparently believe they can still win.

The issue of money has become increasingly critical, with only 16% of the total funding for Sudan’s humanitarian aid plans covered this year.

Sheldon Yett, UN Children’s Agency, Unicef, He said that with shipping costs rising 30 percent due to the Iran war, the impact of even the modest amounts ahead has diminished.

“In some cases, the cost of delivery is now higher than the cost of the materials. Fuel prices are going through the roof.”

“The cost of providing humanitarian support is increasing, while at the same time the resources available to us are decreasing,” Yett said.