Hunger and sexual violence in Sudan are at unprecedented levels. International NGO research report released
*Specified non-profit organization World Vision Japan*
Press release: August 20, 2024
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Hunger and sexual violence in Sudan are at unprecedented levels. International NGO research report released
A reception center for refugees and displaced persons in South Sudan near the border with Sudan. Many people who have fled conflict in Sudan are staying there temporarily. The environment is harsh, with a lack of food, clothing, and shelter, and poor hygiene.
While the world’s attention is focused elsewhere, conflict in Sudan is causing an unprecedented humanitarian crisis and the number of displaced people is increasing, according to a new report released today by World Vision, an international NGO that helps the world’s children. Mass outbreaks, severe hunger, deteriorating mental health and increasing gender-based violence have exposed people, especially children, in dire straits.
In April 2023, conflict broke out in Sudan. The country was thrown into chaos, creating a humanitarian crisis of enormous proportions. As the conflict approaches its 500th day, the crisis continues to deepen. As the front lines of the conflict shift, children and their families are forced to flee elsewhere, creating the world’s worst child displacement crisis. *
More than 7 million children have fled violence in search of food, shelter and safety since the conflict began*
. The majority of these children are internally displaced, while the remaining children have been forced to seek refuge in neighboring countries.
New report released by World Vision* ‘An unprecedented crisis: Hunger, mental health challenges and gender-based violence facing children and families in Sudan’ *
Now, as a direct result of the ongoing conflict, *
It reveals that 26 million people in Sudan are predicted to experience severe food insecurity, hunger and malnutrition. This is more than half the population of Sudan and almost the entire population of Australia. One million of these people are feared to face
life-threatening conditions on the brink of famine between October and December 2024. *
The report includes heart-warming stories of conflict-affected people in Sudan.
said John Makoni, Executive Director of World Vision Sudan. * “Children are particularly affected by high rates of food insecurity, which is currently World Vision’s number one concern in Sudan.”* Makoni continues. *
“Across the country, 4 million children under the age of 5 are expected to experience hunger and 730,000 children will experience severe acute malnutrition by the end of 2024. The world is turning a blind eye. We cannot. Now is the time to act.”*
Furthermore, hunger and conflict are rapidly accelerating mental health crises that threaten to impact children and families long after peace is restored. According to the report, *
An estimated 15.7 million children and their families affected by the crisis in Sudan are at risk of developing mental health disorders due to the interconnected crisis of conflict and hunger. An estimated 1.4 million Sudanese people are expected to suffer from severe mental illness after the conflict ends*
The fight against hunger is likely to continue long after Sudan stabilizes.
Fiona Coyette, Senior Technical Advisor for Mental Health and Psychosocial Support at World Vision, says: *
“Recognizing the importance of mental health for resilience and recovery in crisis situations, World Vision is implementing mental health and psychosocial support programs. However, the need is greater than our funding. ‘*
Coyette continues. *
“Not only should we focus on the immediate impact of this crisis on the people of Sudan, but also on the long-term mental health consequences for generations. About 40% of people with severe mental illness “Even after peace is restored, Sudanese people will urgently need long-term mental health and psychosocial support.”*
World Vision’s report also reveals facts that make the crisis even worse. * Women and girls in Sudan are the targets of battlefield-like violence, leaving millions of women and girls in dangerous situations. The presence of armed groups, forced displacement, weakened social protection networks, and lack of access to health, education and other services place women and girls at serious risk of gender-based violence and its harmful consequences. We are creating an environment where we are exposed. *
Coyet points out:
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“Sixty-five percent of women in Sudan and neighboring South Sudan report experiencing sexual violence by an intimate partner or non-intimate partner, twice the global average. However, we fear that the situation is similar to that in South Sudan, where instability and increased humanitarian needs may lead communities to resort to certain forms of gender-based violence, such as sexual exploitation and child marriage. This is a very serious problem that needs to be addressed immediately.”*
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John Makoni, Executive Director of World Vision Sudan, concludes: *
“International support is severely lacking and this is an unacceptable situation. Sudan’s neglect by the world is a strong indication of the international community’s lack of solidarity and foresight. The influx of refugees could have a major impact across East Africa and beyond. The window of opportunity to turn the tide of this humanitarian crisis and protect Sudan’s next generation of children is rapidly closing. This requires an urgent and coordinated response.”*
That’s all
Click here to view the full report (English only):
https://www.wvi.org/publications/report/syria-crisis-response/unprecedented-crisis-children-and-families-sudan
* -About World Vision’s activities in Sudan-*
World Vision is one of the largest humanitarian agencies operating in Sudan and has been working in the country for 25 years. World Vision is an independent, impartial and politically neutral humanitarian organization. World Vision’s Sudan Crisis Response Team works in Sudan and neighboring countries, delivering much-needed, life-saving humanitarian assistance to millions of people displaced by conflict. In the one year since the crisis began until April 2024, World Vision has helped more than 1.3 million people in Sudan’s crisis response. (mostly women and children) with emergency assistance, including programs focused on food security, child protection, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation.
* -What is World Vision Japan-*
An international NGO based on the Christian spirit that works for children living in difficult situations due to poverty, conflict, natural disasters, etc. We are the Japan office of World Vision, which is active in approximately 100 countries and is officially recognized and registered by the United Nations Economic and Social Council. In Sudan, we provide water, sanitation, protection, and psychosocial support to refugees, internally displaced persons, and host
communities. We contribute to reducing the risk of gender-based violence through all kinds of humanitarian assistance, and as part of our water and sanitation assistance, we distribute Dignity Kits, which include sanitary products, soap, underwear, and detergent. When distributing the Dignity Kit, we also provide information on how to prevent gender-based violence, where to report it, and what to do in the event of a victim, thereby directly reducing risk.
*Click here for details
* ◆We are accepting donations*
World Vision Japan is accepting donations for refugee support. Donations are subject to donation deductions, etc.
For more information, please visit the official website