World News in Brief: Sudan aid challenges, Myanmar quake update, UN support for victims of sexual abuse

This article is published in association with United Nations.

Sudan’s humanitarian crisis is deepening as escalating violence blocks aid deliveries and forces thousands more civilians to flee, the UN warned on Monday.

“The UN is gravely concerned about the plight of civilians fleeing Zamzam camp, as well as the dire situation in and around El Fasher, which is in North Darfur,” UN Spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric told journalists at a regular news briefing in New York.

Famine conditions have already been identified in several displacement camps, including Zamzam. However, vital relief efforts have been suspended due to severe insecurity and ongoing violence.

Sudan has been engulfed in a brutal civil war between the military government and paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) since April 2023. The conflict has claimed thousands of lives and driven over 12.6 million from their homes, including over 3.8 million as refugees into neighbouring countries.

‘Alarming reports’

“We continue to receive alarming reports of serious protection issues, such as arbitrary arrests, harassment and intimidation at checkpoints controlled by the RSF,” Mr. Dujarric said.

According to local sources, further intensification of attacks was reported in and around El Fasher, the capital of North Darfur province. Fighting earlier this month had displaced tens of thousands of people from the region.

“We reiterate that international humanitarian law must be respected,” the UN Spokesperson said, reiterating his call on warring parties to respect international humanitarian law and ensure production of civilians.

Elsewhere in the country, authorities in Northern State reported the arrival of thousands of people from Zamzam camp and Al Malha town in North Darfur, and from Omdurman, near the capital Khartoum.

Mr. Dujarric said that most of those displaced are seeking safety in poorly constructed shelters, while others are being hosted by family or friends. They are relying on just one meal a day and in dire need of food, in dire need of sanitation, water, nutrition, shelter, and every other possible support.

Myanmar: Millions remain in need one month after earthquakes

One month after devastating earthquakes struck Myanmar, more than six million people urgently need aid – with many still too afraid to return to their damaged homes – the UN aid coordination office, OCHA, has said.

At least 55,000 dwellings were destroyed or severely damaged in the worst affected regions, forcing families to live in makeshift shelters exposed to harsh weather and rising protection risks.

Ongoing aftershocks have deepened fears among communities, leaving many unwilling to risk re-entering their homes, OCHA said.

The humanitarian response has so far reached over 600,000 people with clean water, sanitation and hygiene support. In addition, nearly 500,000 people were provided food assistance and more than 115,000 with emergency shelter and critical supplies, said Mr. Dujarric.

“This is a critical moment for the response. Additional and quick disbursement of resources and sustained access to all communities are vital to ensure that the situation does not deteriorate further,” he added, urging support from donors.

UN trust fund supports over 4,300 victims of sexual exploitation and abuse

The UN Spokesperson also reported on Monday that more than 4,300 victims and community members affected by sexual exploitation and abuse linked to UN personnel received vital support last year through a special Trust Fund.

The fund helps close critical gaps in assistance for victims – including psychological, medical and legal services.

It also supports income-generating activities for survivors and children fathered by UN peacekeepers.

The fund is raising awareness on the risks of misconduct among up to 89,000 community members in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Haiti, Liberia, Guatemala and South Sudan.

Since its creation in 2016, the trust fund has mobilized more than $5 million through voluntary contributions from 25 Member States as well as payments withheld following substantiated allegations of sexual exploitation and abuse by UN personnel.

“We continue to appeal to Member States for additional funding for this important work,” said Mr. Dujarric.