News|Sudan warOne in two children malnourished in parts of Sudan’s Darfur, UN saysUNICEF says children who fled fighting in el-Fasher among those facing ‘unprecedented’ level of malnutrition.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued a warning regarding the severe child malnutrition crisis in North Darfur, an area affected by ongoing conflict. UNICEF has emphasized the urgent need for access to children and families impacted by…
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued a warning regarding the severe child malnutrition crisis in North Darfur, an area affected by ongoing conflict. UNICEF has emphasized the urgent need for access to children and families impacted by this situation.
The conflict in Sudan, which began in 2023, has resulted in significant casualties, the displacement of over 12 million individuals, and famine across several regions. UNICEF's recent assessment in the Um Baru locality of North Darfur revealed that 53% of the 500 children screened were suffering from acute malnutrition, with one in six exhibiting signs of severe acute malnutrition, a potentially fatal condition if not promptly addressed.
UNICEF Executive Director, Catherine Russell, highlighted the critical nature of the situation, stating that immediate intervention is necessary to prevent further deterioration of children's health and avert preventable deaths.
Many residents of Um Baru have recently arrived from the city of el-Fasher, fleeing intensified hostilities. Reports from those displaced include accounts of mass atrocities committed by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), including killings and detentions.
On Fri, Dec 27, 2025, a UN humanitarian team was granted access to el-Fasher for the first time in two years. The team reported that the city appeared largely deserted, with remaining inhabitants living in makeshift accommodations.
The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has issued a warning regarding the severe child malnutrition crisis in North Darfur, an area affected by ongoing conflict.
Denise Brown, UN resident and humanitarian coordinator for Sudan, described the city as a "crime scene," expressing concern over the conditions faced by injured and detained individuals.
The RSF has consolidated its control over Darfur and is advancing east towards the Kordofan region. This movement has exacerbated the humanitarian situation, leading to further displacement and the creation of "ghost towns" as civilians flee the affected areas.
UN officials have noted an increase in violence during the dry season, contributing to the ongoing crisis. UN Assistant Secretary-General Mohamed Khaled Khiari reported to the UN Security Council that civilians are facing unprecedented levels of violence and suffering.
UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for an immediate ceasefire. Meanwhile, Sudan's Prime Minister Kamil Idris proposed a peace plan to the UN Security Council, advocating for the disarmament of the RSF. However, this proposal was rejected by the RSF as impractical.
General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the Sudanese army, emphasized that a resolution requires the disarmament of the RSF, indicating that the conflict could end with their surrender.
Based on reporting by Al Jazeera.
