Sudan conflict leaves millions without shelter as UN funding falls short
The United Nations has raised alarms over the shelter crisis facing millions displaced by Sudan's ongoing civil war. Despite 15.4 million people needing emergency shelter, UN agencies have reached only 10% due to severe funding shortages. The conflict, ongoing since April 2023, has killed over 200,000 and displaced millions internally and across borders. Humanitarian aid funding is less than half of the $2.9 billion required, worsening the crisis amid soaring food prices and weather challenges.
Brève Publié le (Africa/Lagos, UTC+1)
The United Nations has warned that millions of people fleeing the devastating civil war in Sudan are at risk of being left without shelter due to critical funding shortages.
After more than three years of conflict between the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces and the regular army, the UN estimates that 15.4 million people urgently need emergency shelter and essential household items. However, UN agencies have been able to target only 10% of those in need, reaching approximately 900,000 people so far.
Mohamed Refaat, chief of mission for the International Organization for Migration (IOM) in Sudan, highlighted that more than 40,000 tents have been distributed since the start of the year, but warehouses are now empty. He warned that families may soon face desperate shelter shortages.
The conflict, which began in April 2023, has killed over 200,000 people and triggered the world’s largest hunger and displacement crises. Approximately 8.6 million people remain internally displaced, with millions more having fled across borders or returned home to damaged infrastructure.
UNHCR’s deputy representative in Sudan, Abubakarr Jalloh, noted that only one third of the $179 million needed for shelter this year has been funded. He emphasized that three in four internally displaced people are women and children, who are increasingly vulnerable due to El Niño-related drought conditions affecting harvests in key regions like Darfur and Kordofan.
Food prices remain painfully high despite the harvest season, forcing families to choose between food and shelter materials. Overall, less than half of the $2.9 billion required for Sudan’s humanitarian aid plan has been funded, worsening the crisis for millions.