What is daily life like for children in Sudan, particularly in areas affected by the civil war?
Children in Sudan, mostly in areas damaged by civil war, face a variety of challenges that severely impact their physical, emotional, and educational well-being. Lack of access to education and healthcare, restrictions of movement, constant security threats and violence including bombings, shootings, and the repercussions of armed conflict created a climate of fear and instability, making it difficult for the children to lead normal lives.
A considerable number of children were forced to flee their homes into distant camps for internally displaced persons. These camps, usually overcrowded, provide harsh living conditions lacking basic necessities such as clean water, sanitation, and adequate shelter. Malnutrition is high due to high food insecurity exacerbated by the breakdown of agricultural systems and supply chains.
How would you describe the impact of the civil war on the physical and mental well-being of children?
The conflict has exposed children to extreme difficulties and deep psychological scars negatively affecting their mental wellbeing in a situation with limited access to mental health or any other form of support. They are often caught in the crossfire, leading to physical injuries and disabilities, loss of loved ones and even being exposed to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) characterized by nightmares, flashbacks, and severe anxiety hindering their emotional and social development.
There are also some reports in the rise of sexual violence against children, particularly girls which is also causing immediate physical harm and long-term mental trauma. Children are forced into adult roles, taking on responsibilities far beyond their capabilities, which further impacts their mental health.
What is the situation of children without parental care in Sudan?
Many children have lost their parents or guardians due to bombings, armed attacks, and disease outbreaks or even preventable diseases, compounded by the lack of healthcare. In addition, mass displacements have also caused the separation of many children from their families. Sometimes, separated children are forced to live apart from their parents in a different refugee or IDP camps.
These children are vulnerable and in need of urgent support and protection which requires a coordinated international response, with adequate resources, skills, and long-term solutions.
Can you tell us what work SOS Children’s Villages in Sudan doing to support children and families in the community – and minimize the risk of child-family separation?
In addition to the alternative care programme, SOS Children’s Villages in Sudan is currently implementing a comprehensive three-year (2024 to 2026) emergency response program funded by the Dutch Relief Alliance (DRA). Targeting about 32,500 people, the programme will provide integrated life-saving interventions focusing on the most severely affected individuals, internally displaced persons (IDPs) and host communities addressing their urgent needs and enhancing their resilience.
The program focuses on protection, WASH, food security and livelihoods. The programme prioritizes protecting children from abuse, neglect, exploitation, and violence and is establishing child-friendly spaces, providing psychosocial support and building the capacity of the community to prevent and respond to safeguarding matters, as well as distributing food items to prevent malnutrition.
How are the children and caregivers who were relocated from Khartoum doing in this crisis?
The relocated families still face security concerns and conflict-related risks in their new locations. This uncertainty causes ongoing anxiety and stress on the children and young people.
The disruption of their education has massively affected the children. Children mention that they miss school and their friends, and that they would like to go back to school.
Ensuring the well-being of children young people and families requires sustained and coordinated effort to provide a relatively stable environment to rebuild their lives and secure a hopeful future. The resilience of these children and caregivers is remarkable, and with the right support, they can overcome the difficulties they face.
What’s your message to the outside world about the war and its impact on children?
The ongoing conflict in Sudan has created a humanitarian crisis with devastating effects on children, who are among the most vulnerable. These children are forgotten by the international community due to the Israel-Palestine conflict and the situation in Ukraine. The children in Sudan are also suffering from unimaginable difficulties, but their voices are often unheard on the global stage.
We call on global leaders and development actors to put more diplomatic and political pressure towards ending the conflict in Sudan. It is our collective responsibility to ensure that these children receive the protection, care, and the opportunities they deserve.