UN Official Highlights Catastrophic Humanitarian Crisis in Darfur, Calls for Increased International Support

Tom Fletcher, the UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, stated on Saturday that the level of international assistance to Sudan is significantly lacking, cautioning that the humanitarian crisis, especially in the Darfur region, has escalated to alarming proportions.

Fletcher noted that Darfur has emerged as the epicenter of suffering in Sudan, emphasizing that the current aid efforts are insufficient to alleviate the ongoing crisis, which is exacerbated by persistent blockades and restrictions on humanitarian access.

He reported that over 21 million individuals are experiencing severe food insecurity, representing approximately 45% of Sudan's total population.

Fletcher underscored the importance of granting international media access to document human rights abuses and violations, arguing that a media blackout intensifies civilian suffering and undermines the global response. He also called for accountability for those responsible for these violations, asserting that without genuine accountability, the atrocities will persist.