UNICEF: Sudan Faces the Worlds Largest and Most Devastating Humanitarian Crisis, and Its Children Are Paying the Price
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UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell has warned that Sudanese children are enduring "unimaginable suffering and horrific violence", including rape, sexual violence, famine, malnutrition, and other violations of their fundamental rights. The ongoing conflict, now approaching its second year, has created what she described as "the worlds largest and most devastating humanitarian crisis."
Russell made these remarks during a UNICEF briefing to the United Nations Security Council on Thursday.
According to UNICEF, 16 million children—out of more than 30 million people in Sudan—will require humanitarian assistance in 2024, amounting to two-thirds of the population.
Russell highlighted that approximately 1.3 million children under five are living in famine-stricken areas, while three million children in the same age group face an imminent risk of deadly disease outbreaks. Furthermore, 16.5 million children—nearly an entire generation—are now out of school.
"This is not just a crisis; it is a multi-layered catastrophe affecting every sector, from health and nutrition to water, education, and protection," Russell stated.
Horrific Harm to Children
Russell expressed deep concern over reports of grave violations against children, including their recruitment and use by armed groups. Between June and December 2024, over 900 severe violations against children were reported, but she stressed that "tragically, we know these figures only represent a fraction of the reality."
She also highlighted the widespread use of explosive weapons, which have a devastating and long-lasting impact on children and communities even after the war ends. Sudan is also witnessing a breakdown of law and order and complete impunity for crimes against children.
"Sexual violence is rampant in Sudan today. It is being used to humiliate, control, displace, and terrorize entire communities. Right now, an estimated 12.1 million women and girls, as well as an increasing number of men and boys, are at risk of sexual violence—an 80% increase from the previous year."
According to UNICEF data, 221 cases of child rape were reported in 2024 across nine states. Shockingly, 16 of these victims were under five years old, including four infants under the age of one.
Russell emphasized that these numbers only scratch the surface of the crisis, as many victims are either unable or too afraid to report their abuse due to limited access to services, fear of stigma, or the risk of retaliation.
"Their stories demand action," she said. "One young girl told us how she was raped by four masked and armed men while alone in Khartoum after her parents were killed. Despite all the horrors she had endured, she described this as the worst ordeal of her life. The trauma these children face will not simply vanish with a ceasefire or peace agreement. They will need long-term care and support to heal and rebuild their lives."
"Children Must Be Protected"
Russell called for urgent action to protect Sudan’s children, emphasizing that the scale and severity of this crisis demand an immediate de-escalation of the conflict, the resumption of political dialogue to bring about a lasting resolution, and unrestricted humanitarian access across borders and conflict lines to combat and mitigate famine.
"The world must unite in demanding the protection of children and the infrastructure they depend on for survival— in line with international humanitarian law, human rights law, and fundamental humanitarian principles," she urged.
She also made an urgent appeal to halt all military support to the warring parties and to ensure UNICEF and other humanitarian organizations can continue their lifesaving work in Sudan.
"Only an intensified mobilization of resources can save their lives and secure their future," Russell concluded.
