Three years into Sudan’s protracted conflict, the crisis has taken a particularly heavy toll on its youth, with girls bearing the brunt of the suffering.
The humanitarian situation in the country remains dire, with tens of thousands of lives lost and over 12 million people displaced, many of whom have been forced to flee multiple times as front lines shift.
The Kordofan region has witnessed a rise in drone attacks on schools and hospitals, while the conflict has now reached Blue Nile State, deepening the crisis. Girls and women, accounting for a quarter of Sudan’s population, are at increased risk of gender-based violence, including rape and sexual assault.
The capacity of medical staff to treat survivors has been severely compromised, with attacks on health facilities, often by drone, occurring at an alarming rate. Many survivors are left without access to emergency health care, psychosocial support, or legal protection.
The conflict has also had a devastating impact on Sudan’s education system. Over 14 million children, predominantly girls, are unable to attend school due to damaged buildings, occupation, or deliberate targeting in violation of international humanitarian law. Plan International’s research indicates that the proportion of girls citing marriage as the primary reason for dropping out of school has risen since the conflict began, leading to increased risks of exploitation, early pregnancy, and long-term poverty.
Mohamed Kamal, Plan International’s Country Director, expressed concern over the long-term consequences of the conflict. “Young people are missing out on an education, hospitals are in ruins, and communities are being torn apart.
The long — term consequences will be felt for generations if we do not act now, “he. Famine-like conditions have spread to new areas, with over 21 million people facing acute food insecurity.
The country’s struggling food systems, combined with escalating conflict in the Middle East, disruptions in maritime traffic, and the closure of the border with Chad, have contributed to rising food costs at a critical time. Fifteen-year-old Rania, who fled her village during the fighting, now lives in Aboutengue camp in Chad, alongside 46,000 other Sudanese refugees. “At night there is no light or any electricity.
I don’t like to be out at night. I don’t feel safe here, it is bad for girls here at night. We can hear guns, “she.
Plan International has constructed temporary learning spaces and child — friendly centers in the camp to promote mental health, psychosocial wellbeing, play, and social interaction. Despite the risks, Plan International’s staff continues to work across Sudan, providing child protection, education, support for survivors of sexual and gender-based violence, and food assistance.
The organization operates in Eastern Sudan, White Nile State, North Kordofan, South Kordofan, and North Darfur, all areas that have seen heavy fighting. Kamal emphasized the need for a drastically scaled-up humanitarian response, highlighting the urgent need for greater funding to prevent further loss of lives and futures.
*Additional reporting by ImNews | Sources consulted: 5*
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By This original article was produced by the ImNews editorial team
Source: reliefweb
Source: Plan International
