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Sudan Famine Crisis

Famine confirmed in Sudan’s North Darfur, threatening the lives of over 400,000 displaced people in the Zamzam Camp, reflecting the devastating situation for children around the region. 

The declaration of famine is an extremely rare event. People, including children have already started dying of hunger and related conditions including malnutrition and infection. 

The situation remains critical across the whole country, with an estimated 13 million people facing acute levels of food insecurity, and more than 3.7 million children under five expected to suffer severe acute malnutrition (SAM) this year, the most life-threatening form of malnutrition. 

Children caught in this catastrophe need us more than ever.  Please donate today. 

Sudan: the biggest child displacement in the world 

On the southern edge of the Sahara Desert in Africa’s northeast, Sudan is a beautiful blend of cultural traditions from Africa, the Middle East and the Mediterranean – and the land is as uniquely diverse. But despite the country’s natural beauty and historical significance, Sudan is scarred by political instability, economic hardship and civil war. 

Today, Sudan is experiencing a war where children are paying the heaviest price; violence, trauma, displacement and devastation. Millions have been forced to flee their homes, many into neighbouring countries such as Chad, Ethiopia and Egypt, making Sudan the biggest child displacement crisis in the world. The conflict is also pushing the country towards famine and a catastrophic loss of life, yet, Sudan has barely made international headlines. But there is hope.  

Alongside our partners, UNICEF remains in Sudan and neighbouring countries, supporting children and their families with lifesaving services and supplies.  

Families in Sudan flee to neighbouring countries.

UNICEF logo© UNICEF Australia

UNICEF Statement

At least ten children reportedly killed in escalating violence in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State

UNICEF is deeply alarmed by the spiraling violence against children and families in Sudan’s Al Jazirah State. Reports of mass killings, widespread sexual violence against women and girls, and the destruction of homes and livelihoods are appalling.

Where is the war in Sudan?

Fighting began in Khartoum, Sudan's capital city, and has spread across the country, leading to destruction, devastation and mass displacement. 

An illustration of the Sudan war

The cost of the Sudan crisis on children 

Since the conflict escalated in April 2023, the impact on the lives of Sudan’s children has been immense.  

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Nearly 14 million children, or half of the children in Sudan, are in need of humanitarian assistance.

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5 million children have been forced to flee their homes – a staggering average of 10,000 girls and boys displaced every single day – making Sudan the world's largest child displacement crisis.

90%

Over 90 per cent of the country’s 19 million school-aged children have no access to formal education.

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over 13 million people experiencing emergency levels of food insecurity, with parts of Sudan already experiencing famine.

Before the war: Sudan’s many challenges 

Before the conflict escalated in April 2023, Sudan was already experiencing a humanitarian crisis with 15.8 million people—about a third of the total population—requiring humanitarian assistance, fuelled by disease outbreaks, economic and political instability and climate emergencies. Floods and droughts have devastated crops and livestock, and since the Darfur Crisis in 2003, Sudan has become home to over a million refugees from South Sudan and Ethiopia. Sadly, generations of children have grown up knowing nothing but conflict, as families have been enduring multiple civil wars and ongoing fighting since 1955.  

How is UNICEF helping? 

Since the onset of the latest crisis in 2023, UNICEF and our partners have reached millions of children and their families with safe drinking water, lifesaving healthcare and nutrition, child protection services, and psychosocial support. We have established safe learning spaces and continue to advocate the immediate reopening of schools where safe and possible. 

In response to the escalating food crisis, UNICEF is expanding treatment services, including providing lifesaving services through 70 mobile teams. But we need your help to deliver for every child. 

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Children and families were reached with safe drinking water.

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Children were screened for malnutrition, and over 370,000 children received lifesaving treatment.

A mother holds her young baby in Sudan
A mother carries her 13-month-old son, who is receiving treatment for severe acute malnutrition under a UNICEF-supported nutrition program.
© UNICEF/UNI593887/Hasouna

Donate to Sudan Famine Crisis

Children are in desperate need of lifesaving support. Plese donate today