Famine, Conflict, and Genocide: Sudan’s Children Caught in Crisis

The ongoing crisis in Sudan continues to devastate children, as conflict and famine leave countless young lives in jeopardy. With war raging since April 2023, the suffering of children has reached catastrophic levels.

Recent Tragedies Highlight Growing Violence

The violence escalated recently when shelling in Omdurman on 13 and 14 January claimed the lives of at least 120 people, including children. Earlier, between 7 and 8 January, 23 children lost their lives, and nine others were injured in attacks in Khartoum State. These incidents represent only a fraction of the widespread violence targeting children in Sudan.

Since the outbreak of conflict, over 600 incidents of grave child rights violations were recorded between June and December 2024 alone. Alarmingly, 80% of these were cases of killing and maiming, particularly in regions like Darfur, Kordofan, and Khartoum States.

Famine Threatens Thousands of Lives

Hunger and disease are pushing Sudan’s most vulnerable children toward the brink of survival. Famine hotspots have emerged in five locations, including Zamzam Camp, Abu Shouk Camp, and Camps and host communities in the Western Nuba Mountains.

Projections indicate a looming famine in 17 additional areas by May 2025, endangering hundreds of thousands of malnourished children. UNICEF estimates that 770,000 children under the age of five will face severe acute malnutrition this year.

UNICEF's Humanitarian Response

Despite immense challenges, UNICEF and its partners are tirelessly working to deliver critical aid. In 2024 alone, they provided psychosocial support, education, and protection services to 2.7 million children and caregivers. Safe drinking water was delivered to over 9.8 million people, over 6 million children were screened for malnutrition and 422,000 were offered lifesaving treatment.

UNICEF’s stabilization centres, such as the one in Port Sudan, are providing emergency care for severely malnourished children.

Barriers to Humanitarian Efforts

Delivering aid remains a daunting task. Bureaucratic delays, checkpoints, consignment inspections, and security risks are hindering access to those most in need. UNICEF is urging the Government of Sudan and all parties involved in the conflict to allow unrestricted and safe humanitarian access.

The Path to Peace

An end to the conflict is the only solution to stop the suffering of Sudan’s children. Peace would enable access to critical resources, restore safety, and give Sudan’s youngest generation a chance at a future free from war, hunger, and despair.