UNICEF: Children in Sudan Facing “Unimaginable Suffering” Amid War
Catherine Russell, Executive Director of the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), has warned that Sudan is now experiencing the world’s largest and most severe humanitarian crisis.
Speaking to UN Security Council ambassadors on Thursday, Russell stated that after two years of war, more than 30 million people—half of them children—are enduring mass atrocities, famine, and deadly diseases.
“This is not just a crisis; it is a multidimensional catastrophe affecting every sector, from health and nutrition to water, education, and protection,” Russell said, according to the UN’s official website.
Since the outbreak of conflict between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) in April 2023, tens of thousands of civilians have been killed, and over 12 million people have been displaced, including 3.5 million who have fled to neighboring countries.
Fertile agricultural lands have been devastated, famine has been declared in several areas, and critical infrastructure—including hospitals—has been destroyed or abandoned due to the fighting.
Between June and December 2024 alone, over 900 cases of severe child rights violations were recorded, with 80% linked to killings or maiming.
“Sudanese children are enduring unimaginable suffering and horrifying violence,” Russell said. “During my last visit to Sudan, I met families and children trapped in this nightmare. Their stories are heartbreaking—and demand immediate action.”
Russell warned that more than 770,000 children are expected to suffer from severe acute malnutrition this year, many in areas cut off from humanitarian aid.
“Without life-saving assistance, many of these children will not survive,” she stressed, urging the UN Security Council to pressure all parties to allow unrestricted humanitarian access, particularly through key border crossings.
She concluded by emphasizing the urgent need for global intervention.
