Rédaction Africa Links 24 with umajulius
Published on 2024-04-10 08:54:38
In Sudan, more than 10 million children have been living in close proximity to gunfire, shelling, and other deadly violence over the past year, according to analysis conducted by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) on behalf of Save the Children. This means that one in two children in Sudan have either experienced or are currently within five kilometers of conflict zones, exposing them to various forms of violence.
The analysis revealed a 60% increase in the number of children exposed to violence since the beginning of the war, indicating a worsening situation. As the conflict escalates, millions of children are at risk of witnessing and experiencing the tragic consequences of war, such as injuries, death, displacement, psychological trauma, and the destruction of their homes and communities.
The international humanitarian response to the crisis in Sudan remains severely underfunded, with 95% of funds still lacking. As leaders prepare to meet in Paris to discuss the situation in Sudan, it is imperative that they prioritize improving humanitarian access, protecting children, and preventing famine in the face of ongoing fierce fighting.
Since the conflict erupted in Khartoum in April 2023, over 10 million children have been exposed to various forms of violence, including bombings, attacks on civilians, and displacement. Many children have repeatedly faced traumatic events in densely populated areas, further exacerbating their suffering.
Dr. Arif Noor, Country Director for Save the Children in Sudan, highlighted the harrowing experiences of children in Sudan, who have been living in fear and witnessing unimaginable atrocities. The dire situation in the country has left millions of children without access to food, healthcare, or education, with the health system on the brink of collapse.
Clionadh Raleigh, President and CEO of ACLED, emphasized the alarming number of children affected by the conflict in Sudan, noting that the future of these children is being sacrificed in a power struggle that disregards their well-being. With the conflict spreading to more parts of the country, the humanitarian crisis is only worsening, leading to more displacements and deaths.
According to the UN, the conflict in Sudan has led to the displacement of four million children, making it the highest number of displaced children in the world. The intensity of the conflict has also resulted in a dire food shortage, with 230,000 children and new mothers at risk of dying from hunger without urgent intervention.
Despite the urgent need for humanitarian assistance, the UN’s response plan remains significantly underfunded, with a shortfall of over $2.5 billion. Save the Children has been working to provide support to children and families in Sudan, focusing on child protection, education, healthcare, and emergency response.
As the crisis in Sudan continues to escalate, it is crucial for world leaders to take immediate action to protect children, provide essential humanitarian aid, and work towards a peaceful resolution to end the suffering of millions of children caught in the crossfire.
Read the original article on Sudan Tribune
