UNICEF Director: Sudan conflict has been 'merciless' (2024)

FAQs

Is UNICEF helping Sudan? ›

UNICEF and partners are prioritizing to provide safe passage and protection of children, their families, and our staff across Sudan.

Years of authoritarian rule, civil wars, and mismanagement of economic resources have left many Sudanese suspicious of their leaders as they violate their oath of office. Sudan's past instability is at the root of ongoing conflicts and insecurity.

Tensions between the RSF and the Sudanese junta began to escalate in February 2023, as the RSF began to recruit members from across Sudan. A military buildup in Khartoum was succeeded by an agreement for de-escalation, with the RSF withdrawing its forces from the Khartoum area.

To summarise: the current conflict in Sudan could lead to increased transit migration from the Horn and East Africa towards North Africa, and potentially onward to Europe. Smuggling, and potentially trafficking and exploitation, are likely to increase.

The United States Announces $245 Million in Humanitarian Assistance to Sudan and Neighboring Countries. Last week the United States announced $245 million in additional support to the people of Sudan and neighboring countries experiencing the impacts of the ongoing humanitarian crisis.

UNICEF public sector partner

To halt the spread of malaria, some 19 million USAID-funded mosquito nets will be distributed to families. As UNICEF's largest donor, the United States of America is an indispensable partner.

Political tensions and instability

Current violence has greatly exacerbated Sudan's humanitarian crisis while reducing the ability of humanitarian organizations to deliver life-saving aid.

A conflict raging in Sudan is rattling its neighbours and other countries for reasons ranging from concern about shared Nile waters and oil pipelines to the shape of a new government and a new humanitarian crisis in the making. Sudan, which relies heavily on foreign aid, is no stranger to conflict.

Sudan is going through the most complex crisis in its contemporary history. It started with an attempted coup by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on April 15, 2023, which turned into a rebellion. The crisis generated an unprecedented number of causalities, widespread human suffering and devastation.

The ongoing conflict has left hundreds of people dead, thousands more wounded and hundreds of thousands displaced, according to figures from the United Nations. It has also prompted a number of countries, including the United States, to evacuate personnel from Sudan and shutter diplomatic missions there indefinitely.

Is there still fighting in Sudan? ›

Sudan has suffered three internal wars spanning more than 40 years of its 67 years as a nation. Two rival generals are now battling in the capital Khartoum, raising fears of another ruinous conflict.

Accordingly, Sudan is no longer subject to prohibitions under the Terrorism List Governments Sanctions Regulations, 31 CFR part 596 (TLGSR), or section 906(a)(1) of the Trade Sanctions Reform and Export Enhancement Act of 2000 (22 U.S.C. 7205).

The experts deplored human rights abuses experienced by “civilians of all ages”, including sexual assault and gender-based violence, and shortages of food, water and healthcare.

Sudan is known for its large coastline of about 900km. It is also famous for its proximity to the Red Sea, the confluence of the River Nile, and its Gum Arabic. There are many other interesting facts about Sudan than just the conflicts they are facing.

2020 Pew Research Center data estimates that 91 percent of the population is Muslim, 5.4 percent Christian, 2.8 percent follow Indigenous religions, and the remainder follow other religions or are unaffiliated. Some religious advocacy groups estimate non-Muslims make up more than 13 percent of the population.

The United States is implementing three specific measures to promote accountability for the actions committed by the two forces, including imposing visa restrictions, levying economic sanctions, and updating our business advisory for Sudan.

The U.S. and its allies should engage directly with the grassroots democracy movement as the rightful stewards of a future, peaceful Sudan. The international community should also support local resistance committees and community leaders who have most effectively protected and provided for the vulnerable.

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial $103 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support Sudan and neighboring countries experiencing the impacts of the crisis.

Why U.S. Government Support Matters to UNICEF. UNICEF's partnership with the U.S. Government and the American people makes a profound difference in children's lives.

UNICEF works in over 190 countries and territories, helping to save and meaningfully improve the lives of children globally — focusing on the most vulnerable. UNICEF USA advances the global mission of UNICEF by rallying the American public to support the world's most vulnerable children.

What percentage does UNICEF keep? ›

UNICEF USA's reported program expense ratio of 90 percent means we are a highly efficient charity, as defined by independent monitors. For every dollar spent, 90 cents goes directly toward helping children; we spend about 8 cents on fundraising costs and just under 2 cents on administration.

Sudan is one of the poorest developing countries in the world with over 40% of its citizens living below the poverty line. Poverty in Sudan results from a combination of factors ranging from the country's location in the Sahara desert to rampant government corruption.

Armed conflict is ongoing throughout Sudan and includes heavy fighting between various political and security groups. The situation is violent, volatile, and extremely unpredictable, particularly in the capital city Khartoum.

The traditional, rectangular or square box-house (bayt jalus) with a flat roof, made of pure dried clay, sun-dried mud, brick or cow-dung plaster (zibala), continues to be the dominant architectural type in Sudan. In its pure form, wooden frames are used only for the roof, windows and doors.

On 7 February 2011, the referendum commission published the final results, with a landslide majority of 98.83% voting in favour of independence.

Restoring stability in South Sudan will require ending conflicts and addressing the grievances behind them; strengthening core institutions and improving governance transparency processes to make them more inclusive; fighting corruption; and responding to the expectations of the population for essential services and ...

Seven Global Conflicts to Watch in 2023.

People are fleeing Sudan's conflict for an uncertain future as refugees : NPR. People are fleeing Sudan's conflict for an uncertain future as refugees Refugees from Sudan have poured into nearby countries because of on-going fighting between rival factions.

The refugees were primarily women and children who also lacked several basic needs. Authorities reported that the refugees included South Sudanese, Sudanese, Ugandan, Kenyan, Eritrean and Somali nationals. By June, the number of refugees had risen to over 115,000.

Civil war was sparked in 1983 when the military regime tried to impose sharia law as part of its overall policy to "Islamicize" all of Sudan. Beginning in 1983, the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA) led insurrections in the south, a region dominated by Animists and Christians.

Why is Sudan banned from the US? ›

After Brigadier General Omar al-Bashir took power in a 1989 coup backed by Islamists, Sudan established links with international terrorist organizations, resulting in the United States' designation of Sudan as a State Sponsor of Terrorism in 1993 and the suspension of U.S. Embassy operations in 1996.

The fighting ended in 2005, when the Comprehensive Peace Agreement (CPA) was signed between Sudanese President Omar al-Bashir and John Garang, who was the leader of the southern independence movement, the Sudan People's Liberation Army (SPLA). The United States played a large role in reaching the peace agreement.

Smoke billows in Khartoum amid ongoing fighting between the forces of two rival generals in Sudan on May 6, 2023. The World Health Organization says the death toll from nearly one month of brutal fighting in Sudan is now over 600. The U.N.

Fewer Than 5,000 US Citizens Estimated to Remain in Sudan Amid Conflict.

The clashes in Sudan are between the Sudanese Armed Forces, led by Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) paramilitary group, led by Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo. Until recently, the leaders of the two forces were allies.

Sudan - Poverty and wealth. Sudan is one of the poorest countries of the world. Most of the population lives in unbelievably hard conditions. One of the Sahel countries, Sudan is located in the Sahara desert.

Egypt and Sudan have enjoyed intimate and longstanding historical ties, seeing as they are each other's closest allies in the North African region. The two countries are connected by various cultural ties and political aspirations.

The U.S. commitment to addressing the humanitarian needs of the South Sudanese population remained steadfast. In FY 2022, the United States continued to be the leading international donor to South Sudan, providing more than $993 million in humanitarian assistance.

In 2021, United States did not export any services to Sudan. Sudan-United States In 2021, Sudan exported $19.2M to United States. The main products that Sudan exported to United States were Insect Resins ($18.6M), Paintings ($271k), and Antiques ($99.1k).

It is true that the [NIF] regime has not enacted a law to realize slavery in Sudan. But the traditional concept of jihad does allow slavery as a by-product [of jihad]. Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International first reported on slavery in Sudan in 1995 in the context of the Second Sudanese Civil War.

What country violates human rights the most? ›

In a scale from zero to 10, where zero represents the best conditions and 10 the worst, Yemen had the highest points and was closely followed by Iran, and China.

The regime of Omar al-Bashir had just been overthrown, and a transitional Government had a mandate to establish democratic elections. The country's new constitution enshrined freedom of religion or belief, the apostasy law was repealed and many closed churches were allowed to open.

Prior to this, Sudan was known as Nubia and Ta Nehesi or Ta Seti by Ancient Egyptians named for the Nubian and Medjay archers or bowmen.

The UK and Egypt ruled present-day Sudan and South Sudan through a dual colonial government known as the Anglo-Egyptian Condominium (1899–1956). Britain was the senior partner in this administration, as Egypt itself was politically and militarily subordinate to Britain.

The Naivasha Agreement technically protects non-Muslims in the north. Some interpretations of Muslim law in Sudan refuse to recognize conversions out of Islam, considering apostacy a crime, and refuse to recognize marriages to non-Muslims. Sudan is one of the nations where being a Christian is hardest in the world.

In 2020 the Sudanese authorities amended the law on alcohol to allow consumption by non-Muslims, but not in the company of Muslims. In practice, non-Muslims drinking alcohol may face arrest regardless of the circ*mstances.

Sudanese cuisine consists of a generous share of stews and gravies—often eaten by hand—fresh and cooked salads, dips, lime, peanut, rice dishes, sweet and savory pastries, unique breads, and decadent desserts. In line with other Muslim-majority countries, lamb and chicken are the preferred meats.

The Sudan Relief Fund Home – Sudan Relief Fund.

World Vision is one of the largest humanitarian aid organizations active in Sudan, having worked there for nearly four decades.

As the largest donor to the humanitarian response in South Sudan, the United States Government continues to promote inclusive and long-term socioeconomic growth, reduced reliance on humanitarian assistance, and resilience activities to empower local communities.

What countries is UNICEF working on? ›

UNICEF has regional offices in South Asia — with country offices in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka — and in East Asia and the Pacific, where programming reaches children in Cambodia, China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), Indonesia, Lao People's ...

The United States provides $1 billion annually in humanitarian and development assistance and peacekeeping support to South Sudan.

Save the Children has served as a leading charity for children in Sudan since 1983, starting with our work to provide humanitarian relief during drought-caused hunger crises across the country, then to programming for children and families affected by violent conflict, displacement, extreme poverty and a lack of basic ...

The United States, through the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing an initial $103 million in additional humanitarian assistance to support Sudan and neighboring countries experiencing the impacts of the crisis.

The most successful have been the refugees in Kenya and Libya. A total of 123 people fled to the United States from Sudan. With 90 positive decisions, 76.27 percent of all new applications have been accepted. Another 28 applications were rejected, and no decisions were made on those remaining in 2022.

Egypt and Sudan have enjoyed intimate and longstanding historical ties, seeing as they are each other's closest allies in the North African region.

The United States established diplomatic relations with Sudan in 1956, following its independence from joint administration by Egypt and the United Kingdom. Sudan broke diplomatic relations with the United States in 1967 after the start of the Arab-Israeli War. Relations were reestablished in 1972.

Armed conflict is ongoing throughout Sudan and includes heavy fighting between various political and security groups. The situation is violent, volatile, and extremely unpredictable, particularly in the capital city Khartoum.

The majority of those fleeing South Sudan are women and children. They are survivors of violent attacks, sexual assault, and in many cases, children are traveling alone. Often, they arrive weak and malnourished. When the rainy season comes, their needs are compounded by flooding, food shortages and disease.

The U.S. Government has historically been a major funder for UNICEF's global development and humanitarian programs – reflecting the values of UNICEF supporters like you. UNICEF USA is extremely grateful to Congress for including a $3 million increase for FY23 totaling $137 million in core resources for UNICEF.

Is UNICEF USA part of the UN? ›

UNICEF became a permanent part of the UN system in 1953. UNICEF is non-partisan and its cooperation is free of discrimination.