UNICEF increases relief efforts for children in Sudan

© UNICEF/NYHQ2006-2200/Cranston

Twenty-month-old Gassim has his arm circumference measured by a health worker (right) as he sits in his mother's lap, at a UNICEF-supported nutrition center at Ardamata Camp for displaced people, on the outskirts of El-Geneina, capital of West Darfur State. 

NEW YORK (November 12, 2009) — A recent report by a United Nations panel details the grim situation in Darfur where—though major conflict has ceased—civilians still suffer from major human rights abuses and a fundamental lack of freedoms. "The Darfurian population continues to be victimized by the effects of attacks and counterattacks involving most of the armed movements that frequently lead to disproportionate use of force by the Sudanese Armed Forces," the report said.

The pervasive instability and attacks are preventing millions of people who sought refuge in IDP camps from returning home, as they fear for their safety if they leave the security of the camps. Right now, hopes are pinned on peace talks being held in Doha. But, as of this writing, at least one rebel group—the Sudan Liberation Movement—Revolutionary Forces (SLM-RF) has refused to attend.

Another possible turning point for the region could be Sudan's first national elections in 24 years, slated to take place in April next year(pushed back from the original July 2009 date). But in an area with such ongoing strife, fair and open elections will pose a severe challenge in Darfur. Already, the insurgent Sudan Liberation Army (SLA) has pledged to attack election officials working in the region. With so many different rebel groups, tribes, and government-backed militias perpetuating violence in the region, it is uncertain when and how peace will come to Darfur.

What is very clear is that children continue to suffer from the clashes and the resulting lawlessness of the region. In Darfur, nearly 700,000 children have grown up knowing nothing but the conflict. UNICEF is continuing to do whatever it can for those children. But the Sudanese government's ongoing suspension of 16 humanitarian organizations means UNICEF resources are inevitably stretched thin.

The situation in Darfur 

• As many as 300,000 people have died in Darfur since the start of the conflict in 2003.
• Some 4.7 million people—70 percent of the population—are currently directly affected by the conflict.
• More than 2.7 million Darfuri people have been displaced in the last 6 years.

Threats to humanitarian programs

Following the March 4 suspension of 16 humanitarian organizations, UNICEF and its UN partners are, fortunately, able to continue operating in Sudan and are doing everything they can to fill crucial gaps. But the departure of the aid organizations represents a 40 percent reduction in the entire humanitarian workforce—and a vast loss of expertise and capability. These organizations are invaluable partners, and UNICEF continues to urge the Sudanese government to let its vital partners return to the country and resume their humanitarian work.

Disruptions in the provision of clean water, health care, and food have made the struggle for survival in Sudan even more desperate. UNICEF reports that up to 1.3 million people in the south of the country are expected to lose their food supplies this year.  Children are particularly at risk of malnutrition and disease as food sources dwindle and illnesses go untreated.

UNICEF's humanitarian relief activities in Sudan 

© UNICEF/NYHQ2009-0952/Michael Kavanagh

In June 2009 in Southern Sudan, a health worker administers an oral polio vaccination to a baby, held by its mother, at the UNICEF–supported Kotor Health Clinic in Juba. 

UNICEF has maintained a significant humanitarian operation in Sudan since the crisis began. Over the years, UNICEF has helped scores of children and families with lifesaving supplies and initiatives. Just as a sample, in the first half of 2009, UNICEF:

• Immunized more than 9 million children under the age of five against polio. 
• Supported 46 supplementary and therapeutic feeding centers to help malnourished children and admitted 24,000 children in Darfur and other states for treatment of malnutrition. 
• Provided more than 11,000 pregnant women and infants with Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission (PMTCT) services to make sure women don't pass HIV/AIDS to their babies.
• Provided 1.6 million children with education materials as part of the Back-to-School Initiative. In Darfur alone, UNICEF constructed 170 new classrooms and rehabilitated 95.
• Created access to improved drinking water for 364,000 people and sustained water for over 1.1 million internally displaced people (IDPs) and returnees.

In recent months, UNICEF has increased humanitarian relief activities in Sudan and is working around the clock to help ensure children do not suffer from the suspension of the 16 humanitarian organizations. 

To meet immediate needs throughout Sudan, UNICEF has drilled new wells, built latrines, distributed a wide range of vital supplies—including vaccines, medicines, surgical equipment, health kits, and therapeutic food—and provided funding to keep some health clinics and feeding centers open. UNICEF has also trained health workers and supported efforts to identify and protect children who have been separated from their families.

Ongoing challenges for women and children in Darfur  

© UNICEF/NYHQ2006-2180/Cranston

Sadia,age 7, stands by while Nora,age 9, collects water from a UNICEF-installed water pump at Al-Riyad Camp for displaced people, on the outskirts of El-Geneina, capital of West Darfur State. 

Despite the tireless work of UNICEF and other humanitarian agencies in Darfur, the condition of women and children remains highly vulnerable. In the last 2 years, the rate of acute malnutrition has been above what is considered the emergency threshold. Currently in western Darfur, 15 percent of children are malnourished. And one in ten children in Darfur and South Sudan die before their first birthday.

Security remains a key concern in Darfur with an increase in kidnappings, banditry, assaults and carjackings. These attacks target the Darfuri people as well as humanitarian workers. As of end June 2009, 59 humanitarian vehicles had been hijacked or stolen during the year, 13 convoys attacked, 92 humanitarian compounds broken into, and 6 humanitarian workers killed—all impacting the provision of vital services.† The continued insecurity, coupled with the suspension of the 16 aid organizations, mean Sudanese people—who have already suffered beyond description—must struggle even harder to survive.

Please consider supporting UNICEF's efforts in Sudan, as we work to fill the gaps left by the ouster of our valuable partners.

† Data provided by OCHA, as at end June 2009.

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