The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) described on Tuesday the war in Sudan as one of the deadliest for aid workers anywhere in the world.
“Since the current conflict began in April 2023, more than 120 humanitarian personnel have been killed — nearly all of them Sudanese,” said OCHA coordinator in Sudan Luca Renda.
As the agency marks World Humanitarian Day, Renda warned that violations of international humanitarian law have become disturbingly common.
Humanitarian aid workers in Sudan have faced increased threats, including arbitrary detention, kidnapping, and attacks that result in injury and death.
Despite these threats, Renda said, Sudanese humanitarians continue to deliver. “They cross frontlines. They navigate insecurity and bureaucracy. They risk everything to reach people in need. They have not given up — and neither must we.”
The victims, Renda noted, include medics, drivers, volunteers and other staff members who showed up every day to serve their communities with courage and compassion.
“Their deaths are a stain on our collective conscience and a stark reminder of the growing dangers faced by those who deliver life-saving aid,” he stressed.
Renda explained that violations of international humanitarian law have become disturbingly common. “Every red line crossed is met with impunity, indifference and failure to act. This must stop.”
He called on all those engaged in the conflict in Sudan to meet their obligations under international law, protect civilians, uphold the rules of war, guarantee safe and unimpeded access, and ensure that humanitarian personnel can operate safely, independently and without interference.
In view of the massive humanitarian needs in Sudan, he also urged donors to increase flexible funding to sustain and scale up life-saving operations across the country.
In its third year, the war in Sudan displaced more than 12.4 million people from their homes– including over 3.3 million refugees who have fled to neighboring countries.
