The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) mentioned on Sunday that Sudan has recorded the largest number of displaced children in the world, with approximately 3 million forcibly displaced due to the ongoing war between the Sudanese army and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April.
UNICEF and the World Health Organization (WHO) indicated last week that 700,000 children under the age of 5 in Sudan are suffering from severe acute malnutrition, facing the risk of death if they don’t receive care.
They also pointed out that “100,000 children require lifesaving treatment for acute malnutrition with medical complications.”
Sudan is facing the largest number of internally displaced people in the world, according to the two organizations, and their lack of food, safe drinking water, clean environments, healthcare, and many essential services puts them at risk of death from birth complications, reduced vaccinations, disease outbreaks, and rapidly increasing malnutrition.
The organizations estimated that “at least 10,000 children under age 5 may die by the end of 2023 due to increase in food-insecurity, and disruptions to essential services since conflict broke out in Sudan – well over 20 times the official number of children of all ages killed by the fighting. “
Since April 15, the conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF has led to more than 9,000 deaths, according to a UN estimate, which also pointed out the displacement of almost 6 million people within the country or to neighboring nations.
#Sudan records largest child displacement in world with ~3 million children forcibly displaced.
— UNICEF Sudan (@UNICEFSudan) October 29, 2023
Further escalation of war is forcing more children to flee their homes & at risk of violence, abuse & exploitation.
Fighting should stop for children to be safe & well, learn & play. pic.twitter.com/GeQirfJBlm