The United Nations has sounded the alarm over the recent escalation of violence in Sudan’s North Darfur region, warning that the situation in the northern city of Al-Fashir has reached “catastrophic levels” as tens of thousands flee. In a related statement issued on October 30, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) said more than 26,000 people have fled Al-Fashir in recent days “in a state of terror,” as fighting and insecurity spread through the capital of North Darfur. Many of those fleeing, the agency said, have been subjected to armed checkpoints, extortion, arbitrary arrests, and looting. The agency voiced particular concern for women, girls, and persons with disabilities; “Civilians must never be targeted; their safe passage must be ensured,” the statement noted, calling for an immediate halt to attacks on civilians and the establishment of safe humanitarian corridors. The UN warned that large-scale communication blackouts and insecurity have made it nearly impossible to obtain updated information from civilians still trapped in Al-Fashir. Aid convoys have been unable to reach the city, leaving many residents without food, clean water, or medical care. “Compliance with international humanitarian law is an obligation, not an option,” the UN said, adding that humanitarian operations across Sudan remain under severe strain. This year’s response plan is only 27 percent funded, despite growing needs and the rapid deterioration of conditions across conflict-affected regions. Local authorities in Darfur have appealed to national and international partners to expedite aid delivery to affected communities. The regional government said it is coordinating with local and federal forces to restore order and ensure the safety of civilians and humanitarian personnel. The UN has urged all parties to the conflict to respect their obligations under international law, facilitate access to those in need, and ensure that humanitarian workers can operate safely. With millions displaced since fighting erupted last year between rival military factions, the UN has warned that Sudan’s conflict risks becoming one of the world’s worst humanitarian crises, with civilians paying the highest price. “The people of Sudan are trapped in a cycle of violence that must end,” UNHCR said, urging renewed international attention and support for relief efforts to prevent further loss of life.
