The United Nations (UN) has launched a $6 billion humanitarian appeal to assist nearly 26 million people affected by the ongoing conflict in Sudan and neighboring countries, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) announced on Monday.

The 2025 Sudan Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan, along with the Regional Refugee Response Plan, seeks to provide critical support to approximately 21 million people within Sudan and up to 5 million refugees in neighboring countries.

Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher, described the situation in Sudan as "a humanitarian emergency of shocking proportions," highlighting the dire conditions where "famine is taking hold, an epidemic of sexual violence rages, and children are being killed and injured."

The conflict, now in its second year, has displaced 12 million people both internally and across borders. The statement from OCHA noted that nearly two-thirds of Sudan's population urgently requires emergency assistance amid widespread famine. The influx of refugees into neighboring countries has further strained local resources.

The conflict, which began in mid-April 2023 between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, has led to at least 29,683 reported deaths by the end of 2024, according to data from the Armed Conflict Location & Event Data Project (ACLED). However, many research groups suggest the actual death toll could be significantly higher.

This humanitarian appeal comes at a critical time, aiming to provide a lifeline to millions caught in the throes of one of the most severe crises in the region. (ILKHA)