UNICEF: Sudan’s Future Hinges on Achieving a Ceasefire

UNICEF emphasizes that Sudan’s future stability and recovery are critically dependent on the implementation of a ceasefire. The organization highlights the urgent need for peace to address the humanitarian crisis and ensure children’s well-being.

Sheldon Yett, the UNICEF Representative to Sudan, highlighted today (8 Aug) that there is a pressing “child protection emergency” in the country and emphasized that achieving a ceasefire will be crucial for Sudan’s future.

Yett remarked to UN News during an interview in Port Sudan that the declaration of famine by the Famine Review Committee (FRC) in Camp Zamzam located in northern Darfur “cannot be overlooked”.

“This level of acute food insecurity has been declared only three times in roughly 20 years,” he stated. The declaration indicates that not just the children, but also the residents are desperate and we’re encountering an extremely alarming situation on-site.”

According to the UNICEF representative, Zamzam Camp is merely a warning sign for “horrific occurrences” such as severe food insecurity.

According to him, UNICEF is facing an extreme challenge in delivering supplies for severe acute malnutrition and ensuring they reach the intended recipients.

Yett stated that the war is still in progress, with limited accessibility due to various restrictions. The task of getting a truck into such areas has become increasingly challenging because new permits are continually required, and there are instances where bandits shoot on sight creating an atmosphere of insecurity. In short, it remains exceedingly tough for humanitarian aid workers to carry out their duties. Unless peace prevails or ceasefires come into effect along with safe access agreements being implemented soon- he foresees things gradually deteriorating further ahead.

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“We’re exploring every possible avenue and maintaining regular contact with all the parties involved to ensure that food gets through. Although it’s a laborious process, progress is being made gradually. However, there’s still a long way to go as much more effort needs to be put in. Besides, unless we establish security measures; achieving the required quantity for this population seems unrealistic.” Said he.

Yett acknowledged that there are approximately 18 million children who currently do not have access to education, and he stated that efforts are being made to provide communities with educational resources. He shared his recent visit to a camp near Port Sudan where students were able to participate in remote learning, emphasizing the importance of schools beyond just academics. Yett highlighted how attending school provides children with a sense of normalcy, socialization opportunities, and comfort. Therefore ensuring functioning schools is crucial for providing quality education.

As the approach of the rainy season loomed, he informed me that just an hour prior he had met with the Minister of Health to discuss plans for a cholera vaccination campaign. However, there are additional ailments which require attention such as malaria. The onset of rain initiates heightened awareness in preventing outbreaks and we work closely alongside our partners and local government authorities alike; this ensures availability of bed nets, anti-malarial medications- especially important considerations when safeguarding children – because ultimately everyone ought to be protected from these infectious diseases .It is ironic that those fleeing their hometowns like Khartoum where cases were fewer tend now move into regions stricken more extensively by malaria-causing higher risks. Alas it seems inevitable during forthcoming monsoons with rising frequency exceeding past thresholds many-fold over ,and hence likely causing far greater number afflicted by said condition leaving us dismayed at generating effective prevention tactics within limited resources available..

According to the UNICEF representative, there has been a significant rise in severe violations of children’s rights. To address this issue, efforts are being made to offer assistance to all kids within the nation. This aid is being provided by various means such as community organizations, religious groups and informal psychosocial support networks- anything that will help these young ones get back on their feet again.

In summary, he asserted that instances of malnourishment and food scarcity can lead to detrimental outcomes for families. Negative coping mechanisms may arise as a result, such as child labor or early marriages which run contrary to societal norms. To combat these issues comprehensively, it is critical to have an all-inclusive approach rather than just providing nourishing sustenance alone. Comprehensive services must be implemented in order address other problems that could potentially harm children who are affected by similar stressful circumstances.

Additional sources : AP