Over 40,000 school children displaced from Sudan by war

JUBA, JULY 26, 2023 (SUDANS POST) – Sudan’s war has displaced at least 40,000 children from their homes since fighting between rivals military groups began in mid-April, with hundreds fleeing to South Sudan, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said.

OCHA said these children are being deprived of education, and are said to be at higher risk for exploitation, expose to diseases and malnutrition.

“Over 40,000 school-age children have been displaced and are out of education since the crisis began, exposed to disease, malnutrition, and exploitation,” ocha said in a statement issued on Monday.

It said as of 20 July 2023, a total of 110,173 people cross into South Sudan including 86,696 individuals who have been assisted by the RRC and humanitarian partners and 22,937 individuals who have moved through self-organized means.

Ocha said the latest influx continues to compound a dire situation as the arrival numbers are projected to continue to increase as fighting continues.

Among those arriving include unaccompanied or separated children, the elderly, persons with disabilities, those with urgent medical needs, single- or female-headed households and pregnant women, Ocha added.

UN ocha said the humanitarian efforts are underway to assist the vulnerable populations, but more resources to support them are urgently needed.

“The situation demands immediate action and collaboration to provide life-saving aid, including food, clean water, sanitation, and medical care.”

“Ensuring the safety, education, and well-being of those displaced requires collective compassion and solidarity from the global community. It is a race against time to offer hope and relief to those facing adversity in their search for safety and stability,” it said.