What UN humanitarian chief warned in April 2026 that the world is failing Sudan as the war enters its fourth year?

In April 2026, Tom Fletcher, the UN Emergency Relief Coordinator and Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, issued a stark warning that the world is failing Sudan as the devastating conflict enters its fourth year. His statement, made from Berlin (Review) ahead of an international conference on Sudan, underscored the immense suffering and the critical need for increased global attention and support. Mr. Fletcher's role places him at the forefront of coordinating the international humanitarian response to crises worldwide, making his assessment a significant call to action.

The war in Sudan, which erupted on April 15, 2023, between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), has plunged the nation into the world's largest humanitarian and displacement crisis. Nearly 34 million people, approximately two-thirds of the population, are in urgent need of humanitarian assistance. Millions have been forced to flee their homes, with around 9 million displaced internally and 4.4 million seeking refuge in neighboring countries, pushing host nations like Chad and Egypt to their breaking point.

Beyond the staggering displacement figures, the conflict has led to widespread hunger, with parts of the country experiencing famine, and hundreds of thousands of children suffering from acute malnutrition. Women and girls are disproportionately affected, facing systemic and brutal sexual violence, with reports indicating a significant increase in such atrocities. Despite the escalating needs, humanitarian efforts remain critically underfunded, with a nearly $3 billion plan for 2026 receiving only a fraction of the necessary support. Mr. Fletcher emphasized the urgent need to stop the violence, protect civilians, ensure unhindered humanitarian access, and adequately fund the response to prevent further catastrophe.