London, England – UN’s undersecretary-general for humanitarian affairs, Martin Griffiths, has raised concerns about the escalating human-made crisis in Sudan, labeling it as a situation “beyond imagination.” With 750,000 people at risk of famine and conditions expected to worsen, Griffiths highlighted the urgent need for international attention and aid.
The comparison drawn between the media coverage and diplomatic focus on Gaza versus the crisis in Sudan shed light on the overlooked tragedy unfolding in the latter. While statistics show 495,000 Palestinians in Gaza facing catastrophic conditions, the numbers in Sudan paint an even graver picture, with over 755,000 individuals facing similar dire circumstances.
Griffiths warned that without a significant increase in humanitarian relief and international support, Sudan could face a famine on par with the historic crisis in Ethiopia during the 1980s, which resulted in the deaths of millions. Despite the severity of the situation, the lack of media access in Sudan has hindered efforts to bring attention to the crisis on a global scale.
The 2024 Sudan humanitarian needs and response plan outlined the requirement of $2.7 billion to address the crisis, but only 17 percent of the necessary funds had been raised as of the latest report. Griffiths emphasized the growing gap between escalating needs and insufficient funding, a trend that has become all too common in today’s humanitarian crises.
An ongoing blockade of aid at the Adre crossing in western Sudan’s Darfur region by Sudanese armed forces is exacerbating the situation further. Diplomatic efforts are underway to resolve the blockade, but time is of the essence to prevent the worst-case scenarios from unfolding.
In Gaza, while the number of Palestinians facing famine has decreased since March due to increased humanitarian aid, new challenges have emerged, including displacement, violence, and insecurity hindering food distribution. Griffiths stressed the importance of ensuring the security of humanitarian aid deliveries, with Israel holding responsibility as the occupying power. Sustained international support and cooperation are crucial to avert further catastrophe in both Sudan and Gaza.