Khartoum: A War Affecting the Future

By Mariam Abashar

With every passing hour of the Sudanese war, a child is killed or injured. So far, thousands have been forced to flee within Sudan or seek refuge abroad. As the war continues and its repercussions persist, one out of every two children in Sudan faces challenges related to their safety and health.

These alarming numbers are based on cautious estimates by UN organizations. Since the outbreak of the recent conflict on April 15, at least 435 children have been killed in the conflict, and more than 2,025 others have been injured. Over one million children have been displaced from their homes or forcibly evicted, including over 470,000 children who have crossed into neighboring countries. In addition to 1.9 million children who were already displaced before this recent crisis, a total of 14 million children in Sudan are in urgent need of humanitarian support.

These numbers will only increase as the conflict persists and expands into new areas, threatening the lives and future of a generation of children and youth who make up more than 70 percent of Sudans population.

These consequences must be considered alongside the fact that childrens suffering did not begin with the war but has deepened. UNICEF has documented the suffering of 3 million children under the age of five from malnutrition, including 700,000 who are at risk of severe malnutrition and death. Additionally, 1.7 million children are at risk of not receiving the necessary health vaccinations, increasing the risk of disease outbreaks. A whole generation of children is likely to miss out on education. Millions of boys and girls will also lack safety, psychological well-being, and social welfare.

If the war does not stop, the future of Sudans children will be at stake, which is a disaster by all measures.