Denise Brown, the UN Humanitarian Coordinator in Sudan, told reporters in New York via video link from Khartoum that the crisis is following a grim pattern of repeated atrocities and repeated suffering.
“We are on repeat in Sudan,” Brown said. “Please don’t call this a forgotten crisis. I’m referring to this as an abandoned crisis.” Brown cited reports from the UN human rights office and humanitarian partners indicating widespread rape and gang rape, particularly in Darfur. Humanitarian services in the region have treated close to 2 500 survivors of sexual violence over the past year. She said the impact extends beyond survivors, affecting families, communities and children born as a result of sexual violence.
She also highlighted reports of mass killings around El Fasher, saying 6 000 people were killed in three days according to verified information, while the true figure could be higher.
Brown urged the international community to focus on preventing atrocities before they happen, including by addressing the flow of weapons and the wider war economy. She questioned whether enough is being done to enforce the Darfur arms embargo and said humanitarians are left “picking up the pieces” in the absence of political action.
UN agencies, international non-governmental organisations and Sudanese organisations remain on the ground, she said, but humanitarian assistance cannot substitute for an end to the war.
Among Brown’s greatest concerns is Dilling in South Kordofan, where aid convoys recently reached the town after years of difficulty, but access has since collapsed following renewed attacks.
“Now, convoys can no longer enter, and civilians are once again trying to flee amid daily bombardment,” she said. “There is no safe passage out.” She also warned of growing displacement in Blue Nile State, where close to 30 000 people have reportedly been uprooted by recent fighting.
Brown said funding shortfalls are worsening the crisis. The 2025 response plan was only 35% funded. So far in 2026, the $2.8 billion humanitarian appeal is just 16% funded.
“We need a huge focus on finding a solution,” she said, “and while that solution is pursued, we need funding so the basic necessities of the people of Sudan are met.”
–UN/ChannelAfrica–
