The Deputy Spokesman for the UN Secretary-General on Monday said the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) warns that ongoing conflict, displacement and funding shortages continue to deepen humanitarian needs across Sudan.

Farhan Haq, who was briefing the media in New York, said that in North Kordofan State, insecurity around the city of El Obeid continues to endanger civilians and drive displacement, with people arriving in the city and surrounding areas in search of safety and assistance. 

“Despite this challenging environment, our humanitarian partners and we are reaching people in El Obeid, providing two million liters of drinking water to about 133,000 people, amid severe water shortages in the city,” he stated. “Meanwhile, in West Darfur State, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) today said that fighting in Sirba locality has displaced an estimated 18,000 people from more than twenty villages since last week. Most are reported to have fled across the border into Chad.” 

OCHA once again called on all parties to protect civilians and to facilitate rapid, safe, unhindered and sustained humanitarian access.

“At the same time, as we have been telling you, funding gaps are limiting the assistance available to people in need. In Central Darfur State, the recent closure of three health facilities, due to funding shortfalls, has left some 75,000 displaced people without adequate access to essential health services,”

Haq said. “OCHA continues to urge donors to provide additional funding for the humanitarian response. This year’s humanitarian appeal for Sudan is about 41 per cent funded, with $1.2 billion received against the $2.9 billion required.” Radio Tamazuj