UN: Rhino – In light of the declaration of famine in Zamzam camp in North Darfur and the worsening food insecurity in 13 other areas in Sudan, UNICEF Representative in Sudan, Sheldon Yeat, warned of the tragic humanitarian situation of children in the country, stressing that UNICEF is making efforts to provide food and health assistance to children in the affected areas.
In an interview with UN News via Zoom from Port Sudan, he made an urgent appeal to the parties to the conflict to cease fire and allow humanitarian aid to reach children in need, stressing that the future of Sudan depends on protecting its children and providing a safe environment for them to learn and grow.
“The declaration of famine in Zamzam camp in North Darfur is not just an isolated event, but an indication of a widespread humanitarian crisis that threatens the lives of millions of children in Sudan,” said Sheldon Yates. He added that UNICEF and its partners are doing their best to reach children in need but face significant challenges due to security restrictions and difficult access to affected areas.
In addition to famine, children in Sudan are suffering from a severe education crisis, with around 18 million children still out of school due to the war. They are also at risk of infectious diseases such as cholera and malaria, and serious violations of their rights, including, among others, recruitment into armed groups and early marriage.